As the days stretch longer and the sun graces us with its presence, the call of outdoor entertaining grows stronger. For bars and pubs, optimising your outdoor space isn’t just about adding a few tables; it’s about extending your venue, enhancing the customer experience, and unlocking new revenue streams. Let’s explore how to create an irresistible al fresco haven.
Comfort & Style Under the Sky
Your outdoor area should be an extension of your indoor vibe, but with added resilience.
- Durable Furniture: Invest in weather-resistant tables and seating. Think sturdy metals, treated woods, or high-quality outdoor synthetics that can withstand the elements without sacrificing comfort or style.
- Defined Zones: Create distinct areas for dining, casual drinks, and perhaps even a more relaxed lounge spot. This helps manage flow and offers customers choices.
- Shelter & Shade: Even in warmer weather, a sudden shower or intense sun can impact comfort. Consider retractable awnings, large parasols, or even charming pergolas to provide essential cover.
Setting the Mood After Dusk
When the sun sets, your outdoor space should transform into a magical escape.
- Ambient Glow: Ditch harsh overhead lights. Opt for strung festoon lights, solar-powered lanterns, or strategically placed floor lamps to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Feature Lighting: Use spotlights to highlight architectural features, plants, or your bar sign.
- Music Mood: Extend your indoor music system outside, or create a separate, curated playlist that complements the open-air setting without being intrusive.
Seamless Service Solutions
Efficiency doesn’t stop at the door. Outdoor service requires smart solutions to keep drinks flowing and customers happy.
- Portable Prep: If space allows, a small, dedicated outdoor prep station can reduce trips back and forth to the main bar.
- Batching Brilliance: Pre-batching popular cocktails (where suitable) can drastically speed up service when demand is high.
- Smart Storage & Chilling: Keeping drinks cold and accessible is paramount in warmer temperatures.
Equipping Your Outdoor Oasis
We understand the demands of a busy outdoor bar. That’s why we offer products designed for durability, efficiency, and style in al fresco settings:
- Our 2 and 4 Pint Stackable Pitchers are game-changers for outdoor service. They’re robust, easy to carry, and, crucially, stack perfectly to save precious space on busy patios or bar carts. Perfect for everything from water to batched sangria.
- Keep those bottled beers, wines, and soft drinks perfectly chilled with our Stainless Steel 6 Bottle Bucket with Opener. It’s stylish, keeps drinks cold, and comes with a convenient opener, making outdoor bottle service a breeze.
Don’t let your outdoor space be an afterthought. With thoughtful design and the right tools, you can create a vibrant, profitable extension of your bar that crowds will flock to all season long.
