Whether you’re sipping an Aperol spritz in the sunshine or enjoying an ale in a festoon-lit beer garden, alfresco dining is an unforgettable experience. As we dive into the summer months, Australia’s renowned hospitality industry are beginning to open their doors…or garden gates, to welcome guests back. After months of quarantine, it’s expected that customers will take advantage of outdoor dining (and reduce the risk of virus transmission associated with indoor dining). 

New South Wales and Victoria are eagerly trialling outdoor dining programs. The NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello is set to boost the restaurant, bar and café sector by cutting down on red tape for outdoor dining. The 3-month process, now condensed into a single application. Victorian Mayor Sally Capp is also looking to expand dining options stating that ‘Melbourne’s renowned foodie culture could embrace outdoor dining on a more permanent basis’. As for Queensland, the state’s alfresco options have always thrived due to their sub-tropical climate. Brisbanites will expect an explosion of pop-up spritz bars and charming riverside bistros to nourish their love for alfresco dining. So is your outdoor space ready to welcome an influx of enthusiastic diners?

1. Open spaces

Have no room to expand outdoors? No need to fear, Unita is here. We can assist you in making the most out of your hospitality space. In addition to the government streamlining the approval process for outdoor dining, the NSW & VIC government is committed to capitalising on open spaces. This collaboration with businesses will involve the use of footpaths, squares and plazas. Notably, The Rock’s Sydney is closing streets to trade cars for tables and Melbourne’s Fitzroy eateries have transformed Gertrude Street to feel like lively ‘garden party’. Open spaces can be decked out to create an immersive environment that combines existing facilities with new outside hospitality design elements. There has never been a better time to upgrade your outdoor offerings.

2. 24-hour dining

Get ready to welcome life and vibrancy back into your streets with extended hours. While 24-hour dining may seem more appropriate for fast food restaurants & clubs, it’s standard practice aboard. In Europe, a 9 pm close is considered a hospitality crime. The vision for many capital cities moving forward is reduced restrictions that give businesses more opportunities to trade & thrive. This may require your business to adopt a new floorplan to create the ideal space, depending on the time of day. A simple bar refurbishment or restaurant fit-out can assist in creating more indoor & outdoor space so your customers can soak up the sun and the warm summer nights.

3. Weatherproofing

Are you worried about those summer storms? It’s common knowledge that Australians weather can be unpredictable. Upgrading your space is a simple investment that will help you manage changing weather conditions. Our quality fit-out plans include hospitality design solutions for all elements. Shade and shelter fixtures help customers stay dry & away from harsh rays. Alfresco cooling systems such as mist fans are a popular element to keep consumers happy while dining midday. Rooftop bars often install automatic roof enclosures that can prevent heavy rainfall from affecting trade, but can be retracted on balmy nights. Your customers can enjoy a rustic cabernet sauvignon while tasting a charcuterie board under the stars all season round.

Do you need lightspeed activation of your hospitality space?

Let us help you take advantage of alfresco opportunities.