AWNINGS ARE A HIT FOR CUSTOMERS AT THE LEASIDE HOTEL

SWR Doors & Awnings doesn’t just serve domestic customers—we handle commercial projects too. A great example is the Leaside Hotel, an award-winning Victorian villa in central Luton, just 300 meters from the train and bus station. Known for its popular outdoor bar, the hotel wanted a solution to keep the space usable during colder months.

Hotel owner Paul McCrum decided an awning could extend the bar’s usage and attract more customers year-round. After exploring options, he chose SWR for their competitive pricing and local presence. Initially considering a fixed canopy, Paul opted for a Markilux Syncra frame with two 1600 Semi Cassette Awnings after visiting our showroom and speaking to an advisor.

The Markilux Syncra, ideal for commercial use, provides up to 60㎡ of stable shading. Its sturdy crossbeam and slender posts ensure durability, while the 1600 awnings offer a sleek semi-circular design with effective rain and sun protection. To suit the hotel’s sloped outdoor area, we adjusted the awning angle to 15° for proper drainage and ensured the posts didn’t obstruct movement near the entrance.

Paul chose manual operation for simplicity, and despite the installation challenges, the awning has already enhanced the bar’s appeal and increased business. “The awning has been a great addition,” Paul said, noting its positive impact on customer numbers.