Feature: Here comes the sun
Providing a comfortable space where guests can soak up the joys of spring will bring your business big wins this season
Another long, chilly winter is almost behind us, meaning bright, better days lay ahead. Woolly jumpers are out, light jackets are in and consumers all over the UK are dusting off their sunnies and locking in social occasions with friends across the on-trade. The spring dawn chorus has sounded, signalling to hospitality operators that, if they haven’t already, it’s time to brush up their outdoor space(s) to accommodate sun-seeking guests.
The great outdoors
The pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns cemented the importance of outdoor facilities in hospitality. In April 2021, the government allowed restaurants to re-open solely for outdoor trading, meaning sites with gardens or pavement seating could set off on the path to
post-pandemic recovery.
“It was a time that saw a strong reestablishment of outdoor dining and the importance of its availability across the restaurant industry,” says Conrad Peterson, COO of Comptoir Group, owner and operator of the Comptoir Libanais brand. “This year will see a trend of investing more in these spaces as the demand continues to grow, with investment going towards improved appearances, increased comfort and further opportunities to upsell through offerings such as covered ‘pods’ and other enclosed areas,” he adds. “As the UK looks to cities famous for their outdoor dining culture (Paris, Milan, Barcelona, etc) for inspiration, we can expect to see casual dining especially benefitting from this shift.”
It’s estimated that sites with the capacity for alfresco dining can see a revenue boost of up to 30%, on top of increasing brand exposure to a broader range of demographics. So, if you’re lucky enough to have access to outdoor space in your venue – even if it’s only big enough for a table or two – with a little care and attention, it could prove a real boon for your business as we move through spring and into summer weeks.
“The relaxed atmosphere of alfresco goes hand in hand with casual dining,” Peterson explains. “Casual dining is often absent of pre-planning and booking, so having an exciting exterior encourages the likelihood of walk-ins, playing into the spontaneity of customers who wouldn’t necessarily notice a restaurant if it wasn’t for its strong outdoor presence.”
Mandira’s Kitchen in Guildford provides a great example of outdoor dining success. Four years ago, the award-winning kitchen team, who specialise in Indian cuisine, made the move to a 400-year-old converted barn, eager for bigger cooking facilities and space to build their own shop. The barn overlooks the Silent Pool in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a soul-enriching and spirit-lifting spot to enjoy lunch or brunch alfresco. “A series of events made us create patio space for outdoor dining,” explains Mandira Sarkar, the kitchen’s founder and owner. “Firstly, we loved the view, but felt a bit selfish keeping it for ourselves. We also found that we were on several walking routes so walkers and cyclists often passed by – good footfall, but not ideal for selling our dine-in meals, which are frozen. We were often asked if we had anything available to ‘eat now’.”
And so, says Sarkar, the team started whipping up their famous crispy samosas for guests to takeaway, also laying on picnics which could be pre-booked for collection. “It proved popular, but we noticed that people tended to hang around – after all, it’s such a beautiful spot. So, the patio – or rather Chai On The Patio – was born.”
Peace and quiet at the Silent Pool (Image: Chai On The Patio)
The team quickly worked on extending the paved area and invested in quality outdoor furnishings, and the space soon became a hub for walkers keen for a light bite, while those stopping to collect their click-and-collect orders would stay to enjoy a scenic drink.
“The Patio menu includes authentic Indian street food, biriyani and samosas, washed down with masala chai or refreshing mango lassi. The space seats 24, can be hired for private parties and the menu changes with the seasons. It’s become a really popular stop-off point,” Sarkar concludes. The story of Chai On The Patio shows that outdoor dining wasn’t just a passing fad to see the sector through the pandemic, but is actually a business asset that’s viable long-term.
Style over substance?
When designing and embellishing your garden, remember that functionality is vital. It’s important to give the space a healthy dose of personality, and any clear branding that runs through the interior should be reflected in some way outside – but don’t let your penchant for aesthetics override the practicalities when mapping out your space. As Peterson explains: “Ensuring that our outdoor space is functional, comfortable and consumers’ experience isn’t compromised from a service, comfort and experience POV when they choose to dine outdoors, is key.”
To maximise customer satisfaction as we move through the warmer months of the year, Comptoir Group will increase labour spend across its estate to ensure there are plenty of staff on the clock to tend to outdoor spaces effectively. Additionally, tables will be laid out in a way that’s accessible to all, while still maintaining privacy.
“From a business perspective, hosting tables outdoors allows for increased restaurant capacity, more opportunities and, ultimately, an improved bottom line,” Peterson adds. “It also creates opportunities for increased brand awareness, allowing potential customers to see your offering without actually having to enter the restaurant. We aim to create an exterior space parallel to that of our interior through colours, décor such as flowers and additional touches such as blankets, to create an exciting feel.”
From a customer perspective, says Peterson, a well-considered outside space allows for flexibility – it becomes a welcoming place for customers with pets, for example, as well as those making the most of good weather; those having just a beverage as opposed to a meal; and those visiting with children, who don’t have to worry as much about noise levels if they are placed on a table outside. “There are also health benefits through Vitamin D exposure, and various studies show that spending time outdoors improves your mood and creates a more
relaxed atmosphere.”
Fire it up
Tantalising wafts of barbecue feasts will set tummies a-rumbling over the next few weeks, and there’s no reason why (so long as you’ve got the space) your venue can’t be the source. Firing up the barbie is guaranteed to kick off your restaurant’s summertime vibe, but is also the perfect way to entice new punters in. According to research by wholesaler and distributor Bidfood, barbecue aromas can persuade more than three-quarters (77%) of consumers to eat at your venue, even if they only ever intended to stop by for a swift drink. To make your barbecue offering truly irresistible, it’s important that the menu is varied and inclusive of dietary requirements, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available. Bidfood’s study found that the traditional English selection – ie burgers, sausages, skewers, etc – continues to draw favour, with two-thirds (66%) of consumers calling it their fave. A taste of America closely follows suit, with 59% of respondents citing this as their preferred barbecue option. The research also found that world cuisine offers standout potential, with the spicy, fragrant flavours of Jamaica and the Caribbean appealing to over one-third (36%) of the consumers surveyed.
“Our restaurant is built around outdoor dining,” says Steve Ryan, co-founder of London-based barbecue concept Acme Fire Cult. “Our kitchen is outside on our terrace and most guests choose to sit outside to soak in this atmosphere and see the chefs in action. We share a yard with our partners, 40ft Brewery and The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, and there is always a buzz in the space. We’ve created a yard that’s fun, vibrant and gives the feeling of a summer barbecue
at a friend’s.”
Elise Roberts, general manager of The Gallivant – a four-star hotel and restaurant located in Camber Sands – agrees. “We love cooking over fire more than anything and, as the sun starts to shine, our talented chefs – with executive chef Nico Fitzgerald at the helm – can’t wait to get outdoors and fire up the grill on the terrace or in the coastal garden,” she says. “There’s nothing better than tucking into a just-landed whole-roasted fish or lobster fresh off the BBQ, having just enjoyed a cocktail while watching the chef cook.”
Whatever the weather
The Met Office has already predicted that this summer will be even hotter than the last, so operators all over the UK will be thinking about how they can best jazz up and utilise their gardens to capitalise on sunshine trade. But, while we hate to bring down the tone, let’s not forget that this is the UK and the weather can be entirely unpredictable – even (especially?) at the height of summer. The last thing you want after all this planning is for the heavens to open and rain on your parade. Here, awnings, canopies and even heavy-duty umbrellas will prove invaluable. The secret to your outdoor space reaching its full potential is to fix it up so it can be safely and comfortably used all year round. “Our terrace and coastal dining tables are packed with loads of gorgeous cushions and blankets in beautiful, vibrant colours and prints, so guests can cosy up and staff can quickly whip the soft furnishings away in a downpour,” says Roberts. “If there’s a chill in the air, we have all bases covered with infrared heat lamps and fire pits on our terrace, so alfresco is always an option.”
Ultimately, the outdoor space at your venue is a potential gold mine for those who get it right. The key to making it an overriding success? Ensure it’s functional, safe and comfortable on top of looking good, gear it up for all weathers and make use of a barbecue wherever your menu allows.
As Roberts concludes: “Few things boost happiness more than getting outside, soaking up some sun and fresh air and then having a good meal with your nearest and dearest.” So, get out in your garden and give that precious space some love!
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