This is a collaborative post.
Dining al fresco at UK restaurants (in the summer at least!) often gives me a bit of a holiday vibe, making me feel like I’m eating out at a restaurant somewhere in the Mediterranean. However, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to enjoy food in the open air while we’re at home, too. Even in winter, all you really need is a patio heater and a snuggly blanket, and you can transform a chilly outside dining space into a cosy gourmet gathering spot.
If you normally eat indoors when you dine out, why not switch things up a bit and opt to sit outside instead? Here are just a few reasons to give it a go (yes, even during the winter months!)
No extra work
Even if you have a garden of your own, dining al fresco at home isn’t always the relaxing experience you think it’ll be. If your lawn is a little dishevelled or bumpy, for example, you’ll probably struggle to eat comfortably outside; the scenery won’t be the most inviting, and no one likes a wonky table!
Unless you’re planning to undertake some serious DIY projects, like building a pergola or laying a patio, al fresco dining at home may not be a feasible option during mealtimes.
In contrast, at a restaurant, you’ll be able to relax fully and enjoy your food in a purpose-built outdoor setting. You won’t have to struggle with wobbly tables, or even worry about laying the table – just sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.
Enjoy the fresh air
In this modern day and age, few of us get the fresh air we so desperately need in order to feel more relaxed and have more energy. If you work all day in an office and spend your evenings on the couch, dining al fresco at your favourite local restaurant could be just what you need. Not only will you be able to breath in plenty of fresh air but, in the summer month at last, you’ll benefit from being able to absorb plenty of vitamin D. What’s more, some restaurants put beautiful plants and flowers in their al fresco dining area, allowing you to feel much closer to nature.
If you’re worried about dining outside in the winter months, check if your restaurant has a canopy, outdoor patio heater, or perhaps just some cosy blankets so you can stay warm and dry while you dine.
Less crowded
Eating out during peak times can often mean being crammed onto a tiny table in the middle of a chaotic, bustling restaurant. While nobody wants to eat in a restaurant that’s completely deserted, large crowds of diners can create lots of excess noise. This might make it hard to really connect with your dining companions and, when paired with overwhelmingly loud music, probably won’t make for the most pleasant restaurant experience.
When dining al fresco, on the other hand, noise is usually less of an issue as there is more open space. You’ll feel less hemmed in, and you’ll be more likely to feel like you can enjoy your food at a slower pace.
There are plenty of reasons to dine both indoors and al fresco, but only you will know which is the best option for you. While you might prefer one over the other, don’t rule out outdoor dining before you’ve given it a chance (yes, even during the colder months!)
Do you prefer to dine indoors or al fresco when eating out in a restaurant? Comment below to share your thoughts.
This is a collaborative post.