When the Hurt Arms in Ambergate, Derbyshire wanted to maximise the use of its outdoor space, the objective wasn’t simply to create a covered terrace. The investment needed to improve the customer experience while increasing the venue’s capacity and generating additional revenue throughout the year.
The result is a large L-shaped commercial pergola that now serves as a dedicated drinks reception area for weddings, an outdoor events space, and an extension of the venue during everyday trading.
Features:
Service Provided:
Installation Time: 4 days
The Commercial Challenge
The venue regularly hosts weddings where guests require a comfortable space following the ceremony while the main function suite is transformed for the wedding breakfast.
Previously, the outdoor area was heavily dependent on the weather, limiting its reliability and reducing confidence when planning events.
The client wanted a solution that would:
• Increase usable event space.
• Improve the guest experience.
• Allow outdoor hospitality whatever the weather.
• Create a space that could generate revenue every day, not just during weddings.
Our Solution
We designed a large L-shaped commercial pergola that wraps around the venue’s outdoor bar, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor hospitality.
Motorised retractable screens allow the venue to enclose the space quickly during poor weather while still maintaining designated escape routes. Eight remote-operated infrared heaters ensure guest comfort during cooler months, while integrated lighting extends the use of the space well into the evening.
Recognising the site’s previous flooding history, all electrical installations were positioned above the historic high-water level, providing greater resilience and long-term reliability.
The result is a flexible outdoor venue that can adapt instantly to changing weather and different event requirements.
The Business Benefits
For hospitality venues, outdoor space should be viewed as a commercial asset.
This installation enables the Hurt Arms to:
• Host larger wedding receptions.
• Keep events running regardless of weather.
• Increase outdoor food and drink sales.
• Extend the trading season.
• Improve customer satisfaction and guest experience.
• Generate greater return from existing outdoor space without constructing a permanent extension.
Rather than simply covering a patio, this project has created an additional revenue-generating hospitality environment.
The completed pergola has become an integral part of the venue’s operation. Whether welcoming wedding guests, hosting private events or serving everyday customers, the space now delivers the flexibility and reliability expected from a modern hospitality business while protecting the venue’s ability to trade whatever the weather.
At Rase Outdoor Living, we specialise in complete outdoor transformations — from initial groundwork to bespoke pergola design and installation. We create spaces that are both beautiful and built to last.
