A popular café in Hampshire is reaping the rewards following the installation of an outdoor pergola system from leading shading specialists Broadview.
Driftwood Café in Emsworth, near Chichester, already had a beautiful courtyard garden where visitors could spend time but being completely open, its use was limited to fair weather only and being quite restrictive in size meant they were turning away custom on a daily basis. Realising that they could potentially maximise the space and increase covers, they contacted Dorset-based Broadview to offer their expert advice.
Following an initial consultation with the client and the recommendation of a standalone B200 Brustor Outdoor Living System, the Broadview team completed the installation of the pergola within just three days. A week after preparation groundworks that included removing two sheds and creating a concrete base to ensure a smooth finish for the wooden floor.
The B200 pergola has a bladed roof with fully automatic louvres rotating through 130 degrees to easily regulate sunlight and temperature, which creates intriguing stripes of light into the area on sunny days. It is completely watertight with integrated gutters and drainage hidden within the clever aluminium design. The space is heated by efficient patio heaters and a wood burning stove to give that extra edge and unique attraction to customers, not to mention warmth. Integrated LED lights with a dimmable function, along with the wall lighting create the perfect ambience for all occasions.
The pergola, tucked in the far end of the stunning courtyard, can seat up to twenty four guests comfortably and has enabled Driftwood to maximise the space across 365 days a year. It’s used not only for extra covers during peak times, but for private functions and parties too.
With only one elevation facing into the courtyard, seamless sliding glass was used, allowing customers to still enjoy the cafe’s garden views, and rustic wood panels were fitted inside and out with insulation to complete the remaining three panels.
Harriet Sheppard, Commercial & Project Manager at Broadview, explains how the new structure has given Driftwood Café a real talking point: “They now have a really unique space to offer their customers, so much so that we’ve heard that customers phone ahead and specifically request to reserve a table in the new ‘garden pod’. Being able to offer twenty four extra covers throughout every day of the year, if they so wish, has made a big difference to Driftwood and I’m delighted Broadview has been able to help them with that.”
Driftwood co-owner Clare Wright remarks: “The Garden Pod as it’s known adds a real wow factor to Driftwood. It frames the courtyard beautifully with its sleek lines and is proving a real success.”
Broadview offer a wide range of innovative outdoor shading ideas for cafés, pubs, hotels and restaurants that includes pergola structures, awnings, umbrellas and parasols. Investing in outdoor facilities not only means additional revenue but a faster return on investment too. For more information, call 01202 679012 or visit www.outdoor-shading.co.uk
