Buying an awning for a pub or beer garden

Step one: retractable awning or fixed cover

A retractable awning gives shade and light rain cover and folds away, which keeps the building frontage and the garden open on dull days. A fixed canopy or a louvred pergola stays up permanently and handles heavier rain and all day use. Pubs that trade outside mainly in summer usually choose an awning; those that want customers outside in all weathers look at fixed structures, which we also fit.

Summer shade and showers

retractable awning

Covered smoking or seating area used every day

fixed canopy

Adjustable roof that opens to the sky

louvred pergola

Step two: size it to the seating

Measure the tables you want covered and work back to the wall, rather than starting with the widest awning that fits the building. Projection is the distance out from the wall, and it decides how many rows of tables sit under cover. Width is often limited by windows, doors, downpipes and signage. We measure all of this on the free survey and mark where the brackets can go.

Step three: branding

A printed or drop down valance along the front edge carries the pub name, logo or brewery livery and is visible from the street even with the awning retracted to a short projection. Fabric is chosen from hundreds of colours, so it can match the frontage. Any sign or advertising on a building can need consent from the local council, and it is worth asking them early.

Step four: protect it from busy days

Staff forget to wind an awning in when a gust arrives mid service, and wind is the main cause of damage we are called to on commercial awnings. Motorised operation with a remote is standard on electric models, and wind, rain and sun sensors can retract or extend the awning automatically.

• Electric operation with remote control
• Wind sensor to retract before gusts cause damage
• Rain sensor on awnings that should not be out in downpours
• Sun sensor to extend automatically on bright afternoons

Step five: keep customers outside longer

The add ons are what turn an awning into extra trading hours. Integrated LED lighting lets the garden run into the evening, infrared heaters take the chill off, and zip screen side walls cut wind across the seating. Each of these needs power planned at the survey stage, not added afterwards.

Step six: installation around trading

Our own fitters install commercial awnings, and we plan the work around opening hours so the garden is not closed longer than necessary. Tell us your busiest days and any delivery times when access is tight, and we will schedule around them.

1. 1Survey and measure, including fixing points and power
2. 2Written quote with the specification listed
3. 3Fitting date agreed around trading
4. 4Handover showing staff how to use and retract it