When your venue moves outdoors, your signage needs to follow. Alfresco dining, rooftop drinks, street food terraces – outdoor spaces in hospitality is booming, especially in the summer months. But without clear, strategic signage, even the most beautiful outdoor space can go unnoticed or underused.
Here’s how to make sure your outside space is on brand, on show, and working hard for your business.
Outdoor Spaces, New Opportunities
Whether it’s a tucked-away courtyard or a bustling street-side terrace, outdoor areas extend your footprint – but they also come with new visibility challenges.
- Are people walking past your terrace and missing it?
- Does the outdoor look match the vibe of your interior?
- Can customers clearly see where to sit, order or queue?
Your signage should guide, entice, and reflect the quality of the experience.
Stand-Out Solutions for the Open Air
Designing for outdoor areas isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about positioning, materials, and context. These signage solutions are proven to work across bars, cafés, and restaurants:
1. Pavement Signs & A-Boards
A staple for a reason – versatile, cost-effective and perfect for daily specials or promotions. Go bold with typography and colour, or keep it clean and stylish with tactile finishes.
2. Wall-Mounted Signage
If your garden or roof area has walls, use them! Branded panels, LED features or even a statement logo sign can frame the space beautifully – especially for photo-friendly moments.
3. Hanging & Projecting Signs
Great for courtyards, lanes, or corner sites. These catch attention at street level and guide customers into spaces they might otherwise miss.
4. Menu Boards & Ordering Points
Clear signage near entrance points or bar hatches helps customers know how to use the space – especially important in outdoor-only venues or casual settings.
Built to Last: Materials that Work Outside
The Great British summer is unpredictable, so outdoor signage needs to be weather-resistant and built for longevity.
- Powder-coated aluminium or steel for durability and rust resistance
- LED lighting that works day or night, even in shaded or ambient settings
- Matte or anti-glare finishes to combat harsh sunlight
We always balance performance with visual impact, making sure your signage stays sharp, rain or shine.
From Branded Backdrops to Instagrammable Moments
Outdoor areas aren’t just functional – they’re marketing tools. A well-designed sign or backdrop can encourage visitors to take photos, share your space, and amplify your reach online.
Consider:
- Branded arches or entrances
- Statement backdrops for photo ops
- Neon signage for evening atmosphere
These elements do double duty: they build your brand and enhance the guest experience.
Seasonal Space, Long-Term Value
Even if your outdoor setup is temporary, your signage doesn’t have to be. Modular panels, reusable boards, and lightweight fixings mean you can store and reinstall signage seasonally, without compromising on design.
Ready to Refresh Your Outdoor Signage?
From rooftop cafés to courtyard pubs, we help businesses transform their outdoor spaces with signage that stands up and stands out.
Get in touch to discuss signage options for your outdoor space.
For more signage tips check out the previous article: The Role of Lighting in Hospitality Signage – Especially on Late Summer Evenings