What is Alfresco dining?

Alfresco translates to “in the fresh air,” and is often used in reference to casual dining in open air settings whether pavements, decking, terraces and gardens. Alfresco dining extends to dining on a street sidewalk, picnics or BBQs in a local park. Outdoor dining takes different shapes and forms but overall, it’s about bringing people together in a relaxed setting to enjoy food and company outside. Today many restaurants and cafes offer a choice of either indoor or outdoor dining, with customers deciding how best to enjoy their meals.

Benefits of Alfresco dining

Alfresco dining and drinking can be incorporated into your existing dining scenes increasing revenue and creating a different opportunity for customers. Outdoor dining is an experience that provides a range of physiological, psychological and emotional health benefits. With the pandemic and the unique challenges of social distancing and increased hygiene measures, many businesses opted to open or expand their outdoor dining spaces.

Without the qualms of formal indoor dining this environment provides a more relaxed, low pressure setting for family and friends to spend time together. Spending time outdoors allows for increased social interactions with a lack of distraction/technology surroundings making it easier to communicate with our loved ones.

Spending time in the fresh air is good for everyone. Time spent outdoors boosts Vitamin D levels, decreasing chances of physical ailments such as osteoporosis. Other benefits of fresh air include reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure and overall a mood booster. It’s therefore the perfect accompaniment for a nice meal.

Outdoor Furniture for Alfresco Dining

Choosing the right seating options for alfresco dining can be overwhelming, given the variety of choices available. To make the selection process a little easier, here is a list of essential checklist items to consider when picking the best seating for your establishment.

• Weather Durability- your seating options need to be able to withstand rain or shine, especially in the harsh Australian climate.
• Easy to clean- With young children and pets in the mix, there is a guaranteed mess, so your furniture needs to be as low maintenance as possible.
• Mould/mildew resistance
• Weight of furniture- Balance between having weighted furniture that is wind resistant and settings that remain easy to manoeuvre.
• Eco- Friendly

Alfresco Dining Rebate

Within NSW, the state government unveiled initiatives in October 2021 to provide Alfresco dining incentives, with the Alfresco Restart Package supporting food and beverage establishments as part of the NSW Covid-19 recovery. A $5,000 initiative is given to businesses that expanded their outdoor dining areas during COVID.  Examples of eligible expenses that can be claimed from this initiative are: temporary ground surfaces, barriers, furniture, lighting and umbrellas. The rebate closes on April 30 2022.

How Felton can help

Here at Felton, we’ve designed a range of outdoor settings and outdoor picnic settings that provide the perfect addition to outdoor areas. Designed from durable Australian Blackbutt Hardwood, Aluminium or Spotted Gum, our outdoor settings bring style and comfort to any outdoor dining space.  All our outdoor settings are durable, easy-to-maintain and versatile. Get in touch with our friendly team on 1800 834 016 to learn more about how to transform your outdoor dining space today.