Back

The Brief

Broadview were approached by the owners of the Southsea Beach Café in Portsmouth, who wanted to provide a great dining experience for visitors come rain or shine.

The views across the water to and beyond the old pier were too good not to consider, and they had a clear and ambitious vision to build a café that would encourage more people to the area to enjoy quality cooked food and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, whilst enjoying the beach and landscape that Southsea has to offer.

Conscious of the seafront location, they didn’t want a fully enclosed space, so the summer sun could be enjoyed but winter wind and rain were kept at bay. An outdoor shading structure from Broadview was the perfect solution!

WATCH OUR VIDEO - SunRain rigid frame awning at Southsea Beach Cafe

The Broadview Solution

With years of experience in outdoor shading solutions, the team at Broadview designed a large stylish Sunrain structure supported by sturdy steel goal posts. The client chose to include retractable zip side screens as an integrated part of the retractable roof system, which would keep visitors sheltered from strong winds. Each zip screen was manufactured with a crystal-clear viewing panel, so diners never have to sacrifice the stunning beach views.

The sturdy frame is made from anodised, powder coated aluminium with a built-in gutter system along the side and front rafters. All rain water runs off the roof and drains down through the front legs onto the shingles below, offering a fully weatherproof roof that will keep diners sheltered all year round.

As soon as the sun shines, at a touch of a button, the roof retracts back and the zip screens are concealed within the side rafters, all that’s left is a frame measuring out the allocated space for their customers’ enjoyment.

To complete the café complex, rustic wooden outbuildings with service hatches were built to house the bar and kitchen on the back of the Sunrain structure. Similar buildings with modern interiors were constructed outside for convenience, giving the whole area a timeless feel.

We can design the perfect outdoor shading structure for your café or restaurant. Capitalise on your available space today - call Broadview on 01202 679 012.

The Result

It’s a cold windy day, but the sun is out. Heading towards the Southside Beach Café you will notice undeterred customers sipping warm coffee on the deck outside, whilst others queue for a table in the once derelict spot on Southsea esplanade. Once inside, the ambiance in lively. Warm and cosy with superb looking fresh plates spinning from the kitchen, laughter and chatter fill the so called temporary room overlooking the sparkling sea beyond. If this is mid-winter, it can only mean great things for the summer to come.

We take the time to get to know your requirements and will suggest the perfect shading solution to help you maximise your available space all year round, increasing your income even in colder months! Contact our team today for more information!

Get help with your project

If you'd like a member of our team to give you a call to talk through your requirements just contact us and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

Enquire