Outdoor Spaces - by Paul Christodoulou, National Account Manager UK & Ireland Out of Home and Hospitality at Bolsius Professional and Member of the Institute of Hospitality

Outdoor hospitality was traditionally enjoyed during the few sunny months (weeks) of the year. The pandemic forced a change in habits, and many customers now prefer to be al-fresco all-year-round. This has driven two overarching trends in outdoor eating and drinking.

In response to COVID restrictions, many UK venues adopted a European bistro-style approach: bringing dining tables out onto the street side. With space at a premium, creating and maintaining ambiance in a bustling street can be a challenge for these operators.

The other trend is inspired by Californian living: pub gardens are moving away from the standard ‘picnic table in the backyard’ in favour of exciting outdoor experiences. Venues are enhancing outdoor spaces with low outdoor sofas and furniture set alongside woodfired pizza ovens or fire pits. To protect from unpredictable weather, they’re investing in accessories such as rugs, heaters and coverings like awnings, keeping the space usable and comfortable across the seasons.

According to Bolsius research, more than two thirds of UK consumers consider lighting and candlelight important to their dining experience1, so this should be a key consideration. Lighting seamlessly transitions dining areas from day to night; allowing diners to see their food and company, while contributing to the mood of a space. Through careful choice of lighting, you can choose to create an air of rustic charm or of luxurious decadence.

Many options are available, from outdoor chandeliers and lanterns, to artfully festooned fairy lights and ground level uplights, illuminating trees and shrubs. Perhaps the simplest and most emotive way to add atmospheric lighting and a touch of luxury is by using candlelight.

Venues using street-side dining can create an atmosphere and a consistent experience through careful use of lighting and decor. Small bud vases with a single flower can be placed on tables during the day and swapped out at dusk for a sheltered candle to create intimacy and atmosphere. Using similar candles inside and out, you can preserve the personality of your establishment, while creating a relaxing and more luxurious social experience.

Venues with more elaborate outdoor areas have a bigger challenge, creating an inviting atmosphere that extends from the inside to outside. Lighting is key, and live flames create cosy intimacy – despite proximity to the elements. Add intrigue and switch themes according to season by using a variety of candles: from pillars in hurricane vases to long-lasting glass-filled tabletop options. But remember, if you’re using candles to mark different areas, make sure they’re protected from breezes.

If you’re burning candles outdoors, consider a candle holder designed for outdoor use to protect both candle and customer. Draughts can lead to uneven burning, tunnelling, or running wax – causing hazards and unsightly drips. Prevent this by using high-quality outdoor candles, and choose ones with a long burn time to ensure fewer replacements.

Our guide to ambiance is packed with advice for food operators who want to create welcoming spaces for customers – indoors or outdoors. It’s available at www.bolsius.com/en/ professional/guide-to-ambiance