Despite being a Monday and a freezing cold day, April 12 was a day to celebrate with a drink. As pubs and restaurants across England welcomed back customers to their outdoor spaces, people were enthusiastic to meet up with friends in beer gardens. The unusually inclement spring weather did nothing to dampen spirits, it was a day worthy of wrapping up well to sit outdoors with a pint in hand. At Fairland, we had been preparing for the day by helping our clients with outdoor pub refurbishment. Thus ensuring they were ready to finally welcome back their customers.
Outdoor Pub Refurbishment
According to The British Beer and Pub Association, only 40% of licenced premises have suitable outdoor areas for customers. Sadly, as a result, only two in five pubs in England have actually been able to reopen. For those venues with outside space, the lockdown was an opportunity to invest and erect temporary or permanent outdoor shelters or marquees. Shelters may have roof coverings but new government guidance stipulates that 50% of the walls must be open.
At Fairland, we recently completed significant outdoor makeovers for two hospitality venues. Both reopened on 12 April with much improved alfresco facilities for their customers. Read on to discover how we helped these clients with outdoor pub refurbishment.
Craft Union’s Brook House – Hayes
At Craft Union’s Brook House in Hayes, we transformed its outdoor space into a welcoming new garden scheme. This included landscaping, patio and decking areas. We also built a bespoke bar with a back wall and roof. After this, we installed a ‘jumbrella’ – a giant umbrella stretching over many tables. The new covered outside bar offers additional seating at bar tables and stools for customers to enjoy alfresco dining protected from the elements.
Effra Social in Brixton
Our second outdoor pub refurbishment was at the Effra Social in Brixton, owned by Portobello Breweries. A former Conservative club housed in a beautiful Victorian building; the Effra is now a popular venue in the Brixton community with its range of craft beers and lagers on tap.
Firstly, we removed the old tarmacked frontage from the pub. After this, the Fairland team replaced it with attractive cobbles and resin-bound gravel. We designed and built a stunning covered pagoda. Finally, completing it with lighting, heating and fixed seating. This structure now fills the outdoor space providing a cosy environment for friends to eat and drink together.
We have now moved inside the Effra. We’re renovating a few areas in preparation for the venue to hopefully welcome customers indoors on May 17.
After months of closure now is the time for hospitality venues to raise the bar. At Fairland, we can help you enhance facilities to attract customers back and start recovering from the forced lack of business. So, contact us HERE to find out how we can help.
