The Growing Demand for Outdoor Spaces

SHOP STRAND AWNING

How well do you understand the customers who will soon dominate your market? Outdoor spaces are no longer a seasonal perk—they’re a core expectation, especially among Millennial’s and Gen Z. These generations actively seek experiences that blend leisure, wellness, and dining in open-air environments, regardless of the weather.

But in the UK, where sunshine can swiftly turn to drizzle, offering a comfortable outdoor space isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for staying competitive.

Why It Matters?

By 2030, Gen Z alone is expected to hold a staggering £27 trillion in global spending power. They prioritise experiences, value flexible social spaces, and are highly responsive to ambience. For restaurants, cafe, and pubs, adapting to these preferences with functional, stylish outdoor areas can make a real impact on both footfall and revenue.

Choosing the Right Shelter for Your Venue

The right shelter solution helps extend your outdoor season and enhances guest comfort—all while reflecting your brand style. Here’s a breakdown of the top options:

Fixed Canopies

Best suited for entrances and facades, fixed canopies enhance kerb appeal while offering basic sun protection. While not ideal for full outdoor seating coverage, they are a simple way to upgrade your venue’s appearance.

→ At Awning Depot, our made-to-measure Dutch and Wedge canopies complement a range of architectural styles.

Retractable Awnings

Offering flexible sun and light rain protection, retractable awnings are a popular and cost-effective option. They can also be enhanced with lighting and heating features, making them suitable for year-round use—with some caution in windy conditions.

→ Customer Favourite: Strand – An open cassette model offering excellent value and versatility, ideal for commercial settings.
→ Stylish Upgrade: Victoria – A modern interpretation of traditional awnings, blending classic aesthetics with modern durability.

Pergolas

For venues seeking a robust, high-end solution, pergolas deliver unmatched durability and weather resistance. With the ability to integrate heaters, lights, and even side enclosures, they’re perfect for premium outdoor dining experiences.

→ Awning Depot offers aluminium pergolas in three standard sizes, tailored for commercial use.

Enhancing Comfort with Outdoor Heating

Even in summer, unexpected chills can disrupt the outdoor experience. That’s where infrared heating solutions come in. Compact, energy-efficient, and effective, wall-mounted heaters provide warmth without taking up floor space.

→ Awning Depot’s range includes models with integrated speakers, combining comfort and atmosphere in one smart unit.

Meeting the Moment

As consumer expectations evolve, so must the hospitality industry. Outdoor spaces are no longer optional—they’re a strategic advantage. By investing in the right shading and heating solutions, your business can create a welcoming, all-weather environment that speaks directly to the values of the Gen Z and Millennial crowd. Not only does this help increase customer dwell time and satisfaction, it also positions your venue as forward-thinking, flexible, and experience-driven—everything today’s customer is looking for.

Why Choose Awning Depot? 

The shift towards enjoying outdoor experiences isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of hospitality. By creating versatile, comfortable spaces that withstand the UK’s unpredictable weather, you’re not simply adding seating, you’re building a competitive advantage that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials. Awning Depot’s commercial awnings deliver the perfect blend of functionality and style to help your venue thrive year-round. Ready to meet evolving customer expectations? Contact Awning Depot today for a free consultation today! 

Creating a More Functional Outdoor Space with Butterfly Awnings

Butterfly Awning

If your outdoor area is limited by structural constraints or space restrictions, a Butterfly structured awning could be the ideal solution. These innovative, free-standing systems are gaining popularity among cafe, pubs, and restaurants looking to expand their usable space without the need for wall mounting.

What Is a Butterfly-Structured Awning?

Unlike traditional awnings that rely on walls for support, Butterfly awnings are self-supporting, double-sided systems. This means they can be installed virtually anywhere, providing shade and weather protection in spaces where conventional awnings simply won’t work.

When to Consider a Butterfly Awning

There are several scenarios where Butterfly awnings are especially useful:
• Your building can’t support a wall-mounted awning.
• You need to cover a wider seating area than the maximum projection of a standard awning allows.
• You have limited or uneven wall space available for fitting.
In any of these situations, a Butterfly structure offers a smart, flexible alternative.

Key Benefits for Your Business

Butterfly awnings go beyond just being practical—they elevate the entire outdoor experience. Here’s how:
• Free-Standing Flexibility
No need for a load-bearing wall or fixed building structure.
• Retractable
A benefit of retractable awnings is that they can be easily extended and retracted, allowing for full sun or shade on demand
• Balanced, Double-Sided Coverage
The design offers symmetrical shading on both sides, maximising coverage and comfort.
• Versatile Compatibility
Works seamlessly with a variety of awning styles, including Strand, Mayfair, and Conservatory models.
• Robust and Weather-Ready
Engineered with strong steel bridges and brackets, these awnings are built to handle everyday commercial demands.

 

Installation Tips & Maintenance

While Butterfly awnings are easy to install and use, a few best practices help ensure long-term performance:
• Retract when not in use to protect against unnecessary wear
• Avoid use on windy days, in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Use telescopic support legs for additional stability during high-traffic times.
• If using wind sensors, be sure support legs are removed before retracting to avoid mechanical issues, particularly on windy days.

 

A Stylish Upgrade for Outdoor Spaces

Adding a Butterfly structured awning to your venue is more than a functional choice—it’s a design upgrade. With minimal installation requirements and maximum impact, it’s an investment that adds value from day one. These systems allow you to offer a comfortable, shaded environment for guests, extending your seating capacity and creating a more inviting atmosphere, rain or shine.

Unlock Your Businesses Full Potential with Awning Depot’s Butterfly Structured Awnings

Don’t let space limitations restrict your business growth. Awning Depot’s commercial awnings, such as our butterfly awnings create new possibilities for your venue. Transform underutilised spaces into profitable seating areas with a solution that requires no structural attachments. Weather-ready and stylish, these self-supporting systems instantly expand your capacity while enhancing your space’s visual appeal.