North-based Catering Services Push for Increased Outdoor Seating Options - Restaurant owners in the North seek increased outdoor dining options
In the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, the city of Kiel is setting a precedent for outdoor dining experiences, with its hospitality industry adapting to the growing demand for al fresco dining. This shift is evident in the numerous restaurants and hotels that cater to customers' preferences for open-air environments.
One such establishment is the Kieler Brauerei, a popular restaurant in Kiel, which offers outdoor seating with full table service, wheelchair accessibility, credit card acceptance, and a full bar. This commitment to accommodating diverse needs in outdoor settings showcases the restaurant's dedication to providing a comfortable dining experience for all[1].
Hotels in Kiel, like the Me and All Hotel Kiel by Hyatt, also contribute to the dining scene by offering guest comfort with amenities that support dining experiences, although their focus is primarily on indoor services[3]. The general hospitality infrastructure includes the integration of outdoor areas where feasible, supporting seasonal demand and preferences for outdoor dining.
The high demand for outdoor seating areas, particularly during warm, summer weather, is not lost on the administration in Kiel. The city offers guidance to businesses for applications to expand their outdoor areas for dining, and these applications are examined favourably[6]. This practice, not common in other municipalities, is a testament to Kiel's proactive approach to promoting outdoor dining.
The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in Schleswig-Holstein is advocating for more space for outdoor dining in urban areas of the federal state. DEHOGA state manager Thorsten Ohm emphasises the need for more flexible opportunities to move seating areas outdoors, especially in urban areas, due to the strong weather dependence[7].
Many businesses in Kiel have responded to this demand by offering a wide range of outdoor dining options, from small sidewalk tables to large beer gardens and terraces with weather protection[9]. However, cities like Lübeck, Flensburg, and Neumünster have no current plans to expand outdoor dining[4].
Despite some municipalities' reluctance, many others in Schleswig-Holstein are making efforts to meet the demand for more outdoor dining and are on a good path in terms of enabling flexible offers[10]. The use of public spaces for outdoor dining always prioritises sufficient space for pedestrians, but it ultimately enhances the public space and creates an attractive gastronomic additional offer, according to DEHOGA state manager Ohm[8].
In summary, Kiel's hospitality sector is leading the way in Schleswig-Holstein by supporting outdoor dining demand through dedicated outdoor seating at restaurants like Kieler Brauerei with full service and accessibility[1], and ensuring hotels complement these dining options through well-equipped facilities and guest services[3]. This approach reflects a practical adaptation to customer preferences for outdoor dining spaces in the region, and it is hoped that other cities in Schleswig-Holstein will follow suit.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the food-and-drink industry, such as the Kieler Brauerei, are actively participating in community aid by adapting their establishments to accommodate the increasing demand for outdoor dining experiences. Lifestyle preferences for open-air dining are being catered to in homes-and-garden settings as well, with cities like Kiel offering guidance for businesses to expand their outdoor dining areas.
