The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bar and Restaurant Awnings

Awnings for your bar or restaurant are more than just a pretty addition – they're a strategic investment in your business.

The right awnings can expand your usable space, improve customer comfort, and elevate you above the competition. But with so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Not to worry, the awning specialists at Broadview are here to help! We'll guide you through the key things to consider when choosing awnings for your bar or restaurant, from visuals to upgrades, so you can feel confident you're making the right decision. Let's get started!

1. Visual Design

Awnings aren't just for shade. Thanks to their large, unmissable presence, they're also an excellent way to create a positive first impression and reinforce your brand identity. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Colour: Pick a fabric colour that complements your building's exterior and stands out against the surrounding area. It's a good idea to use your brand colours to achieve a cohesive look.  
• Cassette: The cassette is the housing that encloses the retracted awning fabric. Choose a cassette style that matches your desired look for the awning - whether rectangular and modern or more traditionally rounded.
• Valance: The valance is the optional front panel hanging down from the awning frame. It's a prime spot to display your company name, logo, or a short promotional message.
• Branding: For maximum impact, consider incorporating your brand colours, fonts, and logo throughout the entire awning design.

At Broadview, we believe in putting your awning's design in your hands. All of our awnings are designed to be fully customisable - from a massive selection of colour (see our guide on how to pick awning colours) to different cassette styles (see our guide on commercial awning types) and printed branding options, we give you the power to design the perfect awning for your business.

2. Projection

• Measure the space: Projections from 1.5 m to 3.75 m cover most patios.
• Consider light levels: Too much extension can block winter sunshine in small areas.
• Account for wind: Longer projections move more in coastal gusts; shorter spans stay steadier.

The distance your awning extends from the wall, known as its projection, determines the amount of shade it provides. You might think that a longer projection is always best - after all, the longer the projection, the more shade - but that's not always the case.

In a small outdoor seating area, an awning with too much projection can block out too much light, especially during the winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky. Additionally, while modern awnings are designed to withstand high winds, longer ones tend to flap around more than shorter ones in extreme gusts. This can be a turnoff for bars and restaurants situated in very windy locations, like right along the coast.

When choosing an awning projection length, consider the size of your space as well as your bar or restaurant's location. Finding the right balance is key to creating an enjoyable outdoor hangout for your customers.

Broadview's awnings have projections ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 metres, giving you plenty of options to find the perfect fit. Not sure which size is right for your space? No problem! Our team will gladly come out and take measurements, then recommend the ideal projection length to keep your customers comfortably shaded.

3. Operation

Most modern awnings come with either manual or motorised operation. The manual option is pretty much what the name suggests - you open and close the awning manually by turning a crank handle. Motorised awnings, meanwhile, operate with an electric system that extends or retracts the awning at the push of a button. While manual awnings are more budget-friendly, motorised ones offer greater convenience. You can open or close them in seconds, saving you hassle on hectic days and minimising disruptions to your customers' dining experience.

4. Accessories

A standard awning does a great job of providing shade and promoting your business, but why stop there? With optional upgrades, you can take your outdoor space to the next level. For example, you can keep your guests comfortable when the temperature drops with integrated heaters (read our guide on the benefits of outdoor heating), extend your operating hours with LED lighting that illuminates the area at night, and much more!

At Broadview, we offer a vast array of awning accessories to customise your setup, including:

• Sturdy lead rail support
• Powerful 2000W patio heaters
• Sleek LED lighting in the arms
• Customisable fixtures to match your style
• Convenient remote operation

With these options, you can create the ultimate shaded oasis for your customers to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening.

Upgrade Your Bar or Restaurant With Made-to-Measure Awnings From Broadview!

Investing in a restaurant or bar awning comes with a whole host of benefits, from increased revenue to improved customer comfort. By following the guide above, you can choose the perfect awning solution to take your outdoor dining experience to the next level.

Ready to get started on an outdoor transformation? Talk to the awning experts at Broadview today! Over the years, we've created stunning awning solutions for hundreds of bars, cafes, and restaurants across the South.

After you get in touch with us, our team will work closely with you to design a beautiful and practical awning that meets all your shading requirements. Whatever your vision, we'll bring it to life. Book a free consultation online or call us on 01202 679012 today!