Patio awnings and cafe barriers provide defined shaded areas for a comfortable alfresco experience. No planning permission is required as everything is retractable or removable, and usually remotely operated. Awnings can incorporate lighting and heating, plus wind sensors for automatic retraction in windy conditions.
Giant umbrellas are an alternative freestanding solution that is mounted using a weighted base or ground socket. Larger than a normal residential umbrella they are operated by means of a crank handle. The powder-coated aluminium requires no maintenance and there is a large range of colours available.