It’s no secret that creating an inviting and comfortable environment is what restaurateurs strive for.

We’re here to help guide you in creating the most relaxing and enjoyable environment possible for your customers in the easiest ways possible.

Read on to discover our top tips for creating the most serene outdoor bar and restaurant environment…

Think about the layout of your restaurant or bar garden

Of course, you’ll want your establishment to have a profitable outdoor area. However, if you’re a customer, there’s nothing pleasant about being seated in an outdoor restaurant or bar area that feels cramped.

How to furnish your restaurant or bar outdoor area will ultimately depend on the layout you’re working with. We would advise having enough tables to cater to large parties that can be made smaller when not in use - such as extendable garden tables.

Extending Oval Solid Teak 10 Seater Table with Malvern Chairs Garden Set - shop now.

Alternatively, there’s always the option to invest in high-quality foldable options that are comfortable for your customers, as these additions can be stored away and brought out at a moment's notice. This way, you’ll be able to maintain a spacious and serene feel within your outdoor space, whilst also being ready to accommodate more customers should the opportunity arise.

Folding Two Seater Oropos Solid Teak Bistro Set - shop now.

Don’t forget about the details that help to make your outdoor restaurant or bar area comfortable

If you’ve invested in some high-quality furniture additions, you’ll likely have features that are built to last and enhance the overall aesthetic value of your restaurant or pub.

However, if you would like to create a serene environment for your customers, it’s important to not forget about the little details that go into ensuring that whoever visits your restaurant or bar garden stays comfortable throughout their duration of stay.

Our top tip would be to ensure that all seating arrangements are accompanied by cushioning. This little detail will go a long way and it will likely make your guests feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Crummock Chair Cushions - shop now.

Comfortable seating is important, but if you invest in chair cushions for your eatery or bar, you’ll also want to ensure that they will maintain their quality over time, to avoid having to replace them prematurely.

Our advice would be to ensure that the chair cushions you purchase contain these key features:

  • Flame retardant.
  • Anti-bacterial.
  • Waterproof.
  • Stain resistant.
  • Breathable.
  • REACH Compliant.
  • UV resistant.
  • Anti-microbial.
  • Bleach cleanable.
  • Crummock Chair Cushions - shop now.

    Think about the atmosphere your outdoor furniture creates in your restaurant or bar

    Do you want a serene yet formal atmosphere? Or would you like to create a more relaxing and laid back atmosphere?

    As we mentioned above, it’s always a great idea to ensure that your restaurant or bar furniture can cater to a large number of customers without taking up too much of the available space. However, it’s also important to have a variety of different seating arrangements available, as you may have customers visiting your establishment for different reasons.

    Four Seater Solid Teak Folding Turin Garden Table - shop now.

    For example, it may be more convenient to have a sofa set up for customers to enjoy chatting over coffee and nibbles - but it wouldn’t be an appropriate seating arrangement for dinner plans.

    Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Have a variety of seating options suitable for different occasions. This way, your employees can separate sections and make use of the space in a more efficient way, which is perfect for enhancing customer satisfaction.

    Three Seater Solid Teak Madras Bench - shop now.

    Don’t forget about lighting and music when creating a serene restaurant or bar environment

    Lighting and music can influence the entire atmosphere of a restaurant or bar garden.

    For example, imagine you were out dining in a restaurant and you couldn’t hear your friends or family speak because the music was too loud, or the lighting was too dark to be able to see who you’re talking to properly. These considerations should be a top priority if you’re goal is to create a serene environment.

    Realistically, you’re not going to be able to please everyone - so we would advise playing it safe with the music. There are plenty of background music playlists available on Spotify, or you could even consider creating one yourself.

    When it comes to lighting in the evening, keep sufficient low lighting present to create a pleasant ambience. Fluorescent lighting can make customers feel uncomfortable, so nothing super harsh or intense!

    Prepare for temperature changes to keep your customers comfortable

    It’s no secret that here in the UK, the temperature can drop quickly.

    It’s common for restaurants and bars to keep blankets stored away should the temperature start to drop, to ensure that their customers stay happy and comfortable. However, the most effective way to create a serene environment for your customers is to invest in high-quality outdoor heating.

    Mini Patio Heater - shop now.

    This way, the heat will radiate throughout the outdoor area, providing comfort to all of your customers as opposed to having to provide blankets to multiple tables. Plus, think about all of the washing you’ll be able to avoid by investing in outdoor heating!

    Mini Patio Heater - shop now.

    For a restaurant or bar garden, we would recommend choosing premium quality patio heaters. Not only will they ensure that your guests stay snug and comfortable, but they also add a touch of luxury from a visual perspective.

    Umbrella Gas Patio Heater - shop now.

    Ensure that your restaurant or bar is prepared for unpleasant weather

    There’s nothing worse than spending a great afternoon with loved ones in an outdoor restaurant or bar area, only for the weather to take a turn.

    To create the most serene environment, simply put yourself in the shoes of your customer. Or, think about when you visit another establishment - what stands out to you that makes you believe they’ve gone the extra mile? What would you benefit from if your table was caught in less than ideal weather conditions?

    Our advice would be to invest in furniture that’ll shield your guests. Otherwise, you may end up with an unusable garden area, which certainly isn’t profitable!

    Aluminium Crank & Tilt 3m Parasol - shop now.

    A restaurant or bar should always have high-quality parasols present in customer-facing outdoor areas. Not only will they act as a shield against wet weather, but they’ll also provide access to much-needed shade when the sun is shining.

    Solid Teak Premium Parasol - shop now.

    If you’re looking for the best outdoor furniture for your restaurant or bar, you can find it here at Cotswold Teak

    We hope you’ve found our article on our top tips for creating the most serene outdoor bar and restaurant environment useful. At Cotswold Teak, we offer an extensive variety of beautiful furniture additions that are suitable for establishments, so be sure to browse the rest of our website for more.

    If you have any questions or want to know more about any of our collections, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team who will be happy to help with any queries you may have. Call us on 01608 544 825 or email [email protected].

    Shop premium garden furniture for restaurants and bars at Cotswold Teak today

    For more garden furniture information and buying advice, read the Cotswold Teak blog

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