With any business, there is usually a cycle of when orders are higher than others. For example, it stands to reason that companies that sell coats are likely to sell more of them as we say goodbye to warm weather. The hospitality industry is no exception. When the weather turns cold and rainy, people are more tempted to stay home and hibernate, which means that the hospitality industry can struggle to get people through the door.
Beat the UK Weather
The good news is that all is not lost when the cold weather gets here. For starters, winter has plenty of occasions that people still want to celebrate – Halloween, Christmas and New Year. Of course, people also want to celebrate the usual birthdays, christenings and other special occasions. By prepping your restaurant now, you have the best chance of still attracting the footfall your business needs to be profitable even when the weather is not the best.
Static awnings and flimsy parasols just don’t cut it against heavy wind and sideways rain. A motorised commercial retractable roof gives you total control—open it up when autumn sunshine pops out, and seal it completely shut the second a downpour starts. Add glass side panels to create a full restaurant terrace enclosure that keeps guests bone-dry without losing the outdoorsy feel.
Create a Warm, Cosy Atmosphere
If you’re going to tempt people out of their cosy homes during the cold winter evenings then the best thing you can do is emulate this warmth in your restaurant. Think sleek infrared heaters targeting individual tables, integrated LED strip lighting, soft throws, and rustic decor. When you take time to invest in the right heating and lighting, you can be sure that people will feel happier to visit, stick around for a few hours and come back time after time.
Leverage Christmas & Seasonal Booking Spikes
One of the positives of winter for the hospitality industry is the festive season. This time of year brings corporate parties, family reunions, Christmas get-togethers, etc. By having a fully protected, heated terrace, you encourage people to book with you for this time of year – and it is this footfall that is going to help your restaurant stay profitable through the winter season.
The Maths Behind the Investment
When you start to look at investing in a restaurant terrace enclosure for your business, it is easy to be put off by the initial cost. It is important that you look at the bigger picture and consider more than just the initial outlay you’ll need to make to get started. An enclosed terrace isn’t a luxury expense; it’s an investment that starts paying dividends immediately. Even filling an extra 10 to 15 covers a night across autumn and winter rapidly adds up over a single season. The added revenue from covers you would have otherwise turned away easily offsets the cost of the installation.
Marketing Your All-Weather Space
Once you have your commercial retractable roof or restaurant terrace enclosure installed, it is important that you let people know it exists. Consider working with local influencers, get some photos for your social channels and tell people all about what a great time they can have if they have their Christmas celebration at your venue.
At the end of the day, letting your outdoor space sit empty half the year just doesn’t make financial sense. Investing in a high-quality commercial retractable roof or a full restaurant terrace enclosure changes the whole game for your venue.
Instead of turning away hungry walk-ins or missing out on lucrative Christmas parties, you can give your guests the ultimate outdoor venue without any of the freezing UK draughts or sudden rainstorms.
Talk to the team at Designer Shade Solutions today to see how easy it is to transform your terrace into a cosy outdoor dining space that your restaurant can take advantage of this winter.
How Restaurants Can Keep Terraces Profitable – FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a restaurant terrace enclosure or retractable roof?
In many cases, retractable structures are classed as demountable or temporary fixtures, making planning simpler than permanent brick extensions. However, guidelines vary by council and listed building status, so it’s always best to consult a specialist supplier to check your specific site.
Will a commercial retractable roof withstand heavy British rain and wind?
Yes. High-grade commercial structures are built with heavy-duty aluminium framing, integrated rainwater drainage channels, and tough PVC fabrics designed to handle high wind loads and heavy downpours effortlessly.
How do you heat an enclosed restaurant terrace efficiently?
A combination of glass side screens to block wind draughts and targeted infrared electric heaters works best. Infrared heats people and surfaces directly rather than trying to heat cold air, keeping energy costs reasonable.
