1. Designing Your Dining Area

Start by meticulously crafting a layout that complements your indoor-outdoor dining area. Whether it's a cosy corner for drinks or an expansive dining space, outlining your vision before selecting the perfect seating is essential. Take the time to assess the available space and arrange the seating to enhance the area – ensuring you offer enough privacy while maximising the number of customers who can relish the dining experience. This seating plan will set the stage for a perfect space for customers to dine and enjoy quality time with their friends and family.

2. Furniture Placement

Create a smooth and comfortable ambience by strategically placing indoor-outdoor dining chairs and furniture. Your primary concerns should be the comfort of your customers and the ease of movement for your staff, ensuring that they can navigate from the kitchen to the tables without any hindrance. Ample space between tables ensures that the dining experience remains undisturbed by noise or staff movement. Flexible loose furniture or streamlined seating options can help you make the most of your space. With a variety of seating styles, from low benches to bar stools, you can provide versatility to your layout.

3. Careful Furniture Selection

Elevate your indoor-outdoor dining area with top-notch seating options built to last. Invest in sturdy dining furniture designed to stand the test of time, and adaptable enough to handle various conditions. Choose seating that remains comfortably cool in the sunshine and is resilient during winter conditions. Failure to select appropriate furniture for the winter may lead to it being stored away, limiting its utility. Atlas Contract Furniture offers a diverse range of seating choices to assist you in crafting the ideal dining space for your customers to savour.

4. Accessibility Is Key

Design and operate your indoor-outdoor dining space with accessibility in mind. This not only aligns with inclusivity but also expands your customer base. Simple steps include:

• Install ramps and accessible seating that accommodate wheelchairs.
• Maintain clear, obstacle-free walkways with a smooth surface.
• Offer menus in various formats, like Braille and large print.
• Provide communication assistance, such as sign language interpreters, for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Consider additional measures like automatic doors, accessible parking, restroom facilities, and staff training to create an inclusive environment.

Read more on the Access to and use of buildings law.

5. Accessorise Your Space

Once the layout and practical considerations are in place, it's time to focus on the finer aesthetics of your indoor-outdoor dining area. First impressions are crucial, and you want to create an inviting outdoor dining experience for new customers. Adding character to your space with scatter cushions, ambient lighting, or vibrant hanging and potted plants can make it more visually appealing. Creating an enticing and enjoyable dining area will provide your guests with an experience that entices them to return.