The very second the clocks strike ‘spring’ the possibility of outdoor dining starts to become a reality.
For many people, this immediately opens up the ‘extra room’ that a garden or patio can provide, and brings about a whole new level of outdoor entertaining.
Inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle of long, lazy lunches on sun-drenched terraces, outdoor dining has increased in popularity in the UK. Although we don’t always have the luxury of Mediterranean-style sunshine, the concept of taking time over a meal with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors is undoubtedly catching on.
Origin carried out an independent survey asking 839 members of the British public what they liked best about dining outdoors. Here’s what they had to say…
What do you like most about dining outdoors?
Breathe in the fresh air
Fresh air was the biggest lure for Brits to dine outside, attracting almost a third (31.7%) of all votes. With air conditioning being part and parcel of many people’s 9–5 routine, breathing in un-circulated clean air provides a welcome change when it comes to downtime.
There are many physical and psychological benefits to fresh air — one of which is that it promotes relaxation — a category that brought in a further 15.6% of the votes.
Soak up the atmosphere
Atmosphere was the second most popular answer, with 17.3% of respondents enjoying the ambience that outdoor dining creates. Popular cookery and lifestyle TV shows regularly showcase great ideas for barbecues, picnics and outdoor gatherings, offering mouth-watering alternatives to the frazzled sausages and soggy sandwiches that we often associate with such events.
In many of these shows, food is often served with a stylish twist, presented on large wooden chopping boards or slate trays to encourage diners to dig in. Additional attention to detail can help bring the most basic of fayre to life; something that was not lost on 4.4% of those surveyed, who cited decoration as their favourite part of the outdoor eating experience.
Well-positioned candles, bunting and outdoor lanterns can also contribute to the ambience, with colour-coordinated table linen, blankets and cushions adding a further element of comfort and style.
Drink in the view
A pleasant view would tempt 16.9% of respondents to eat outside. Being surrounded by greenery and plants — be that in pots and planters in a suburban location, or the meadows and fields of the countryside —adds an extra dimension to any meal. Nature received a further 12.7% of the votes, highlighting that the sights and sounds of wildlife provide a welcome addition to the dining experience.
Just step outside
Creating an outdoor eating area is the perfect way to add another dimension to your home. The trick is ensuring that it is easily accessible and convenient for everyday use. If your picnic table is down at the bottom of your garden, or if you have to walk through the house to access the back door, outdoor eating may seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Positioning your outdoor eating area close to the kitchen makes it easier to transfer food outside.
Many homeowners go a step further by installing bifold doors, which lead out into the outdoor dining area. Not only does this offer practical benefits for serving food, accessing chilled drinks and changing the music playlist, it also allows diners to nip in and out of the house as needed.
A garden for all seasons
In recent years, much more attention has been given to outdoor furnishings, and thankfully the ugly white moulded plastic picnic tables that were once commonplace in British gardens are now very much a thing of the past. Instead, garden centres and homeware stores offer an array of attractive — and affordable — outdoor sofas and dining sets designed to enhance the growing trend for outdoor living.
Fire pits, chimeneas, patio heaters and blankets also make it possible to comfortably dine outside, even if there is a chill in the air. Likewise, sun sails, awnings, pergolas and screens are great for providing essential shade from the midday sun and can also be helpful for creating an element of shelter against the unpredictable British weather.
Just add food
Alongside the wider range of outdoor furnishing, al fresco cooking devices have also come on leaps and bounds. BBQ grills, smokers, pizza ovens and hi-tech EGGS all make al fresco eating far more appealing; so much so that any meal can easily be prepared and eaten outside.
If time restricts you to a just quick cup of coffee and a slice of toast, simply being able to fling open the doors and enjoy the fresh air and the wellbeing it promotes can make even the most basic meal feel like more of an event.
