Alfresco dining has been a huge outcome from the pandemic, with thousands of restaurants and cafes being forced to move their business outside. Initially, this idea didn’t seem all that bad… or at least not until that pesky weather interfered! I hate to admit it but alfresco dining in Ireland just isn’t quite the same as it is on holiday, so it got me thinking is there a way we can feel like were abroad when eating outside? A way to enjoy the outside air whilst maintaining maximum comfort?
Retractable roof pergolas
Turns out yes, yes there is! With a little bit of research, I found Designer Shade Solutions, specialists in retractable roof structures. Maybe I’m crazy and I need to get with the times, but I’d never heard of these before. Let Them be Small described retractable roofs by Designer Shade Solutions Ireland as bespoke pergolas that ‘can be built to your specific style and function requirements plus, offer protection from the elements.’
This means that, with a retractable pergola or louvre roof as they are also known, you can enjoy outdoor dining no matter the weather, as they will help to keep you dry, sheltered and warm! I can already see myself now sipping on a mojito under that roof feeling like I’m in the Caribbean, even if it is raining outside!
What are the other benefits, I hear you ask?
It’s all well and good these retractable pergolas offering protection, but what else can they do? What if my property isn’t big enough for one? Have no fear, because Mummy Vs Work commented in her recent blog post that these pergolas ‘can be customised with side glass screens, heating and lighting to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor room.’ Not only this, but thanks to the bespoke nature of their products, these pergolas can be made to your ideal size, attached to the end of a property or as a free-standing structure. And if that’s not enough, you could try something smaller like a retractable fabric awning perfect for patios or terraces.
Traditional pergolas are a thing of the past
It’s pretty clear that these retractable structures make the traditional pergolas look pretty lame. Even this article on The Spruce says that ‘one thing a pergola does not provide is adequate shade’, and who really wants to spend all that money on something that just looks pretty? These modern louvre roof pergolas, however, can tilt to provide shade when desired or let it those rare beams of sun, so everyone’s happy!
What do you think of retractable pergolas?
So, are you convinced? Will you be investing in a retractable roof pergola for help with alfresco dining? I have a feeling we will be seeing far more of these around Irish restaurants and pubs in no time.
Thank you for reading.
