Top tips on outdoor furniture and equipment

There’s no such thing as bad weather — just the wrong clothes, goes the old saying. And the same principle applies to outdoor furniture: predicting the likelihood of savage, chaotic or simply disruptive climate changes this year could turn into a futile, full-time job, so preparation and smart budgeting all year round are key.

“Transforming your outside area affordably can be easier than many licensees think,” says Beverley Greaves, of Nottingham-based Smart Interiors UK. “But as demand can peak quickly in variable weather, it’s vital to prepare, or choose a supplier like ourselves as we can dispatch immediately.”

The company’s PVC rattan ticks many boxes. “In busy venues, it’s all about design, value and durability. All-weather, low-maintenance furniture and shower-proof cushions are easily maintained, optimising your investment, so choose carefully,” Greaves says.
 
Do-it-yourself​
The austerity of the UK’s economic climate has become the mother of invention. “Try constructing low-cost picnic benches like ours in your garden or shelter from suppliers such as B&Q, and building raised beds to add colour,” recommends Thwaites tenant and horticulturist Glen Duckett at the award-winning Eagle & Child in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester.

“I received a pergola in return for a charity donation — it’s worth being open-minded about second-hand furniture if you have the skills and time to refurbish.”

At Wadworth, master cooper Alastair Simms builds the trademark beer-barrel garden furniture sold at the brewery’s visitor centre in Devizes, Wiltshire, and online at www.barrelsrus.co.uk.​

“Casks for today’s beer are made from recycled spirit barrels,” says Simms, who breaks up imported barrels from the USA and Spain, rebuilding them to store Wadworth real ales. “When I find barrels beyond restoration, I shape them into attractive garden furniture such as planters, water butts, tables and even rocking chairs.” Simms also undertakes individual commissions.
Smoking shelters​
Many venues now provide imaginative and practical smoking areas. Turning a basic shelter into a well-designed retreat by adding suitable lighting, heaters and all-weather furniture fosters a pleasant, inclusive atmosphere.

“It’s win-win: if your outside area is welcoming, smokers return, bringing friends, and non-smokers are likely to join them,” says Smart Interiors UK’s Greaves.

Jerry Hodkinson, of furniture supplier Andy Thornton, sees growing numbers of pub operators seeking permanent solid structures to complement pub architecture and provide a substantial sheltered area for alfresco drinking and dining, rather than investing in designated smoking shelters.

“Our architectural metalwork department is receiving more requests for up-to-date, creative solutions,” explains Hodkinson, “such as ornate shelters and canopies featuring columns, friezes and spandrels. The metalwork blends in and performs well all year, with glazed UV roof panels providing protection from sun and rain.

“Demand has also surged for our parasols and screen banners, which can be sign-written for effective branding. Combined with decora-tive light columns and wall lights, they encourage maximum use of your valuable outside area well into the evening.”
Plants and flowers​
“Careful budgeting and planning can reduce cultivation and watering,” advises Helen Cuthbertson, owner of Glasgow’s Cuthbertson & Woods, supplier of artificial plants and flowers to a range of urban and country pubs.

“Artificial hanging baskets save immense amounts of time and energy while maintaining that vital first impression. For a spring facelift, try using artificial trees and shrubs in matching planters with or without artific-ial flowers. Planting real flowers around the base of the main plant helps you keep up with this year’s colours and styles.

“The threat of theft is always present, unfortunately,” warns Cuthbertson. “Artificial plants are lighter and easier for staff to carry indoors at night. And try using small artificial flower arrangements that are easily replaced in ladies’ toilets.”
 
Child’s play​
As pubs increasingly look to grab children’s attention with facilities that encourage them to take their parents to the pub, Sovereign Design Play Systems sales director Darran Hine stresses the need to combine safety with innovative design.

“Pubs installing play areas should work with companies that, like Sovereign, belong to the Association of Play Industries (www.api-play.org). Seek a full warranty on equipment — we provide 20-year cover,” says Hine. “Remember to adhere to legal standards when choosing seating, shelters and surfacing.

“More than ever, pubs are keen to see a return on investment, so we offer a free tailored no-obligation consultancy and design service.”

Winter glamping​
Why not optimise open space all year round by going the whole hog next winter and constructing a tent? Conditions don’t have to be Arctic. WigWamBam, swathed in fairy lights and perched on the rooftop of private lease the Queen of Hoxton above Shoreditch, east London, is possibly the cosiest tepee east of Nebraska.

From October until March, customers at this spectacular retreat can enjoy hot rum, mulled cider, spiked hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, veggie Scotch broth, hog roasts, and much more beside a crackling pit fire, with a gigantic Schwenkgrill hanging dramatically from the centre of the tent. And in summer, the pub’s 150-seat rooftop cinema returns, which is usually at least 80% full, even in poor weather.

At Young’s managed outlet the Narrow Boat, on the Regent’s Canal in Islington, north London, staff encourage customers to beat the chill by offering them blankets and hot water bottles.
As anyone who has taken the time to plan knows, economic and weather forecasts can be much less daunting if you and your outside area are ready for just about anything.