Cafe Barriers and Printed Barrier Banners

Browse the range

• Cafe Barrier Kits: Ready-matched cafe barrier kits from 1 to 5 sections, hardware only or complete with printed banners, in stainless steel or satin black.
• Cafe Barrier Banners and Parts: Printed replacement banners in PVC, mesh or canvas for 1200, 1500 and 1800 mm sections, plus posts, bases, rails and ropes.

A row of branded cafe barriers turns a few tables on the pavement into a defined, welcoming space. It tells passers-by where your seating starts, shields diners from the street, and carries your name and offers at eye level all day.

How a cafe barrier run is built

Each section is one banner stretched between two posts. A straight run of three sections uses four posts, because neighbouring sections share a post. Posts stand in round, concrete-filled bases with rubber edges, heavy enough to stay put but able to be rolled rather than carried. The banner is held at the top by the post fittings and at the bottom by either a cross rail or a bungee tether.

Cross rail or bungee

A bottom cross rail is a solid bar low down between the posts. It holds the banner flat and gives a tapping rail that people using a white cane can detect, which many councils ask for in pavement licence conditions. The bungee tether costs less and suits private terraces, beer gardens and indoor areas.

Posts and finishes

Premium posts come in polished stainless steel, for long outdoor life and scratch resistance, or satin black. Bases weigh 13.5 kg and measure 360 mm across. A budget stainless option uses lighter 10.3 kg bases and bungee tethers only.

Banner materials

• 750 gsm light-block PVC: reinforced and fully opaque, can be printed both sides, wipes clean. The usual choice for food and drink.
• 380 gsm mesh PVC: semi-transparent and lets wind through, so the run is under less strain on windy streets. Printed one side.
• 250 gsm polyester canvas: the look of canvas without rotting or staining; printed one side with a flood colour on the back.

Measuring up

Measure the length of the frontage you want to enclose and divide it into 1200, 1500 or 1800 mm sections. Allow a little extra at each end for the bases. If the run turns a corner, an extra post is needed at the corner.

Pavement licences

Placing tables, chairs and barriers on a public highway in England normally needs a pavement licence from the council, which may set the area, the hours, the barrier style and a clear walking route. Rules differ between councils and between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your local council before you put anything on a public pavement. On private land you only need the owner's agreement.

Range at a glance

Printing to go with it

Most of these displays need something printed inside them. We also print PVC banners, mesh banners, roller banners and feather flags to go with them. Order the display and the print together and they arrive ready to use.

Bulk, chains and bespoke

Need 20 for a chain of shops, a custom size or a colour that is not listed? Get a quote or message us on WhatsApp; we reply with a price and lead time.