G1 Group Nominates Brandline

The G1 Group is Scotland’s largest and most diversified hospitality group, with a collection of over 50 venues in Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Aberdeen and just about anywhere else you can think of.

Their portfolio of places has been decades in the making, and includes fine dining restaurants, boutique hotels, state of the art nightclubs, bijoux cinemas and even a casino. They’ve’ve got Scotland’s smallest pub, The UK’s only independent IMAX cinema, Edinburgh’s 2nd biggest Christmas Tree, and a Guinness World Record.

Throughout the years, G1have developed a special interest in rejuvenating and reinventing Grade A & B listed buildings of historical and architectural importance. Some of their spaces include a former bank, an institutional prison and a golf club factory. Their own central office is housed in the former BBC Scotland headquarters in Glasgow’s leafy West End.

To say that G1 are particular when selecting their venures is a slight understatment.

We were therefore delighted when G1 selected the Brandline Range to compliment their external ambience. A few venues have already installed the systems.

The Kushion – Glasgow

A truly one of a kind night club experience based in Bath Street, Glasgow.

G1 selected the Advance Cafe barriers and mesh banners to use as a guidance system for late night queues.

One of the advantages of the Brandline System is unless you decide to change the banner to a new design as a media tool, there is no need to continually replace broken or damaged components due to the durability of the system.

For more information regarding the Kushion, visit here.

The Corinthian – Glasgow

Located at 191 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DA, Scotland

Scotland’s leading artisan craftsmen spent hundreds of man-hours painstakingly creating aspects of the building, including a mosaic floor made of more than half a million tiles, over a thousand hand moulded acanthus leaves, fitting hand carved panels and restoring ornate wooden detailing. The Corinthian Club now boasts the most stunning gaming facilities in the country.

G1 again selected the Advanced Cafe Barrier, heavy duty cross beams, and durable mesh banners to complete the first impression.

For more information regarding the Corinthian Club, visit here.

The Dolls House – Glasgow

The Doll’s House is one of St Andrew’s most recognisable spots to eat & drink.

Specialising in hearty “good mood food”, The Doll’s House offers a diverse range of quality offers – from brunch every morning to a lovely seasonal market menu. They also boast an abundance of fresh scones and cakes to accompany our tea and coffee offers.

On the drinks list, you’ll find a wonderful selection of gins to suit every palate, complimented by a range of carefully selected fresh garnishes and premium tonics.

Switching to the canvas banner system, but retaining the corperate choice of the Advance Cafe Barriers, the system fits in nicely with any ambience.

For more information regarding the Dolls House Restaurant, visit here.

For more infomation regarding the components selected by the G1 Group, feel free to browse our website 

 

Bicester Village Valet Parking System

When Brandline Products were approached by Tong G, a specialist in supply, design and installation, to manufacture a bespoke Cafe Barrier system for Bicester Village and the Valet parking facility at Bicester village, we were happy to oblige.

Using marine grade stainless steel cafe barriers. the post height had to be extended by approximately 300mm and the catches for the bottom rings had to be relocated. The client had designed the system to ensure that regardless of the type of vehicle approaching, the driver could still see the barrier system.

The stainless steel floor sockets were powder coated for even more protection prior to installation.

The Finished System

Once the final system was installed, everyone was more than happy with the outcome. The marine grade components will last for years to come.

The full component listing consisted of: Extended Advance Cafe Barriers in Marine grade stainless steel, heavy duty stainless steel beam ends with a secure trigger mechanism and 1800mm heavy duty awning fabric banners with UV stable vinyl. All manufactured at the Brandline Factory in Alvis Way.

The Floor Sockets

The standard Brandline floor socket usually consists of a piano hinged lid to allow the client to simply close the floor sock when it is not in use.

However, for Bicester this was change to a separate cover as we were concerned with vehicles repeatedly driving over the hinge and eventually damaging it. Again, another bespoke system was designed and manufactured.

The Banners

Using only specilised canvas which will provide extended life and is usually used only for commercial awnings, or yatch sails, Brandline has developed a printing process in which UV stable vinyl can be utilised to ensure a crisp clear print which again will last for years.

The fabric used is colourfast and guaranteed not to fade even when it is left in direct sun light.

For more information regarding the components selected by the G1 Group, feel free to browse through our website.

Selecting Cafe Barriers

For the third time this week, we have been asked to replace Cafe Barriers of unknown origin which fall far short of the quality required for street furniture.

So we’ve put together a few tips for you when you’re selecting a cafe barrier system. See www.brandlineproducts.com for our products

The Posts – If the system is for external use, ensure it is manufactured in stainless steel. Many systems sold are produced in mild steel and chromium plated. The system will start life looking fine, but within just three months you will notice a deterioration and a flaking of the chrome plating.  Whilst this finish is fine for internal use away from any entrances, externally it is both a health and safety liability and an eyesore.

The image above shows two supports, the bottom manufactured in mild steel and chrome plated, whilst the top Brandline support is manufactured in marine grade stainless steel. Both products were subjected to 90 days external ambience.

Painting

If you plan to purchase a painted system (black posts etc), again ensure the substrate is Stainless Steel.  Depending on the coating used, extra protection can be given, however eventually corrosion will take over if a mild steel substrate is used.

What weight should they be? 

This is a tough one. Whilst many providers will tell you that it is better to have  cafe barrier posts which weigh only 12 Kgs so that your staff can take them in to your building effortlessly every evening, what they’re not going to tell you is that the posts are likely to be falling over every 10 minutes on windy days unless you’ve managed to weigh them down some how.  We suggest the minimum weight of a post be 16 kgs.  Our barriers start at 15 Kgs and work their way up to 25 Kgs.  We also have surface mounted and floor socketed cafe barriers if you’re really stuck. (You may need planning permission for the latter)

Bungee or Bottom beam?

We will hardly ever supply a banner between two posts which is held in place with elastic bungees.  The main reason for this is that the lower or bottom beam is set at a height which acts as a lower tapping rail for the visually impaired.  Having loose bungee chords will not act as a barrier.  Brandline Products have chosen this path since the disability discrimination act (DDA) was amended.

Base Shape?

Ensure you look for a system with graduated base weights allowing easier access for prams, push chairs and most importantly wheel chair users.  Remember access to your property is subject to the DDA and your responsibility.

Avoid sharp edges.

The image below, again shows a support from a cafe barrier post.  As can been seen in the image the material is very thin and has already started to distort. Signs of heavy corrosion are evident.

Furthermore, the beam ends used already exhibit very sharp edges. The system was only a few weeks old when we were asked to replace it due to customer catching the clothing.

Servicing 

Ensure you source from a company that is willing to provide a warranty. If the construction of the posts are appropriate, any reputable company should give a guarantee of at least two full years.

The Cross Beams & Beam Ends. 

The most common failure of Cafe Barriers is the cross beam end. The reason for this is that the end is the most handled part of the system and the one which takes most of the force.The ends have to be secured to the post. The image below shows a system of cafe barriers in which the user can just place the cross beams into the post. There is no securing methods, the weight of the cross beam will hold the system together.

The problem with this system is that as soon as a gust of wind develops, the banner will bellow and the top beam is ejected from location.

As you can see from our system above, a small sprung loaded lever has been integrated into the system to ensure cross beams are locked into place.

Materials of Beam Ends.

Our beam ends are turned.  Although this is an expensive manufacturing process, it is also one of the strongest.

Many cafe barrier producers use a common and cost effective method of producing the beam ends. This is casting. As the cafe barriers are handled roughly during their lives casting is a poor solution and will undoubtedly end in failure. The image below shows the material construction in casting. Very brittle and easy to break. We replace around 20-30 competitor beam ends per week.

Cross beams.

The cross Beams should be at least anodised Aluminium.  Untreated aluminium will exhibit signs of white corrosion which, in turn, cause an unacceptable appearance and will stain the banner.

Making a High Street Impact

Cafe banners  have become the perfect solution to give extra advertising to many high street venues.

Whether it be discreet advertising or bold, proud advertising, the cafe barriers you choose will identify  you in a crowd.

The Almanack Kenilworth

Take a look at the image above. The Almanack in Kenilworth has no illuminated signage. However, matching awnings and cafe barriers more than make up for the branding requirement.

 

Coffee #1 not only brand their cafe barrier system, but also convey an important message to the public. “We have been voted #1 coffee chain in the UK!” Where else can this message be made known?  If you were walking by and noticed two cafes next to each other, one of which is saying it’s been voted the best in the UK, the other not saying anything, which would are you most likely to head toward?

Crepe Affair

Crepe Affair want everyone to know that they don’t only do Crepes. Displaying the key elements of their menu on each banner gives a indication of other foods available to the public without over branding their alfresco area.

Burger King – Cardiff

As almost everyone knows what Burger King’s menu has on it, they just need to know where they are. Bright bold corporate colours are used showing their logo and tagline on alternate panels in white.

Nearly every store front is flat. Any potential client walking from the left or the right up through a high street are not going to see the logo you have on the front of your building.

Compare the Burger king layout to that of coffee #1.  The “L” shape arrangement at Burger King ensures approaching clientele are aware that there is a Burger King on the High Street. Not so much with Coffee #1 unless you’re approaching from the front.

 

Leon

Leon take a similar approach to Burger King, “We’re here!” they yell, with their bright colours and bold text. The cow banner shown here, upside down,  naturally grabs attention. A human being can’t ignore unnatural occurrences.  As we sit here and look at the banners thinking, “wow, very clever.”  It later transpires to be an oversight by a staff member.

Debenhams

The Debenhams Cafe Barriers do not need to be over branded. Using their barriers more for cordoning off the area from other merchandise. They have managed to silently create a wall giving their customers the following message:  “our restaurant starts here, the shop ends here”

So, now when cafe barriers are needed.

The Subway Store above. A Well known brand, a great customer base, an easily recognisable logo. But… approaching this subway from the right, what notice do you receive that the Subway is actually there?  None, because their competitor, Greggs the Baker, is blocking the only available signage with their own. This being the protruding sign from the wall above the awning.  Okay, so lets approach from the left. Oh, wait…Nationwide Building Society are blocking the same sign from the left.

So how do Subway overcome this?

Using the system that Burger King utilise, Subway can overcome this problem for potential clients approaching from the left.

The plan above shows a simple cafe barrier facing the left. Another cafe barrier system is placed on the right behind the existing Greggs barrier, however, the Subway barrier is taller.  A well placed logo immediately indicate their presence. Review www.brandlineproducts.com for more information

 

New Awning Recovers

Brandline Products recently refurbished two traditional awnings for a new restaurant in London called Macelleria Italiana. We stripped down the awnings systems removing the canopies and cleaning the arms, boxes and front profiles. Once completed we fitted two new canopies and valances branded with the clients logo and website details. Below you will see pictures during the installation and then the completed project.

Another job well done and another happy customer!

Almanack in Kenilworth Refresh

The Almanack Free House in Kenilworth recently re-branded and chose the Brandline Products systems to freshen up their alfresco areas.

Choosing to go for two tone branding in orange and blue, the three awnings and all of the Cafe Barrier Banners were sewn using UV stable canvas. One of the advantages of coming to Brandline Products is that the banners and awnings are sewn in house and therefore the material will always match.

Jamies Pizzeria Oxford

Brandline Products have recently carried out an awning recover for Jamie’s Italian Pizzeria Oxford. Completely transforming the new restaurants shop frontage. Another happy customer !

Giant umbrellas in Starbucks.

Brandline Products recently carried out the refurbishment of two 4m square giant umbrellas for Starbucks Coffee in one of their flagship stores in London. Both umbrellas were looking very tired and dirty so our engineers attended site, removed both of the umbrella membranes, cleaned down the entire umbrella frame and then fitted two new OEM acrylic membranes on the umbrellas that were sign written with the Starbucks Coffee logo to each valance. Once completed both umbrellas looked and operated like new.

Centre Parcs Nominate Brandline Rattan

Brandline Products today supplied and installed a large order of commercial grade external rattan furniture to our client Centre Parcs. The resort is now the proud owner of a large range of 3 seater sofas, arm chairs, coffee tables, dining tables and stackable dining arm chairs all laid out on a stunning decked area surrounded by stunning woodland and lakes at Whinfell Forest Centre Parcs in Cumbria. All the furniture was supplied in black and with cushions and protective all weather covers.

Manchester University goes for Brandline Awnings

Brandline Products recently completed yet another successful project for Starbucks Coffee supplying and installing two motorised full cassette awnings at the new Starbucks Coffee at Manchester University North Campus.

 

Offering both shade to customers sitting outside but also shade to customers sitting inside the heavily glazed fronted store. Another happy customer.