The Brief
TV chef and author and photographer, James Strawbridge approached C&J Outdoors looking for a versatile shading solution to transform his outdoor dining and cooking space in Cornwall. With a busy family lifestyle and a passion for alfresco dining, James needed a system that would provide reliable sun protection without compromising the bright, open feel of his patio. Given the coastal location, durability and weather resistance were also key considerations.
Our Solution
We designed and supplied two bespoke retractable pergola awnings to be installed above James’s outdoor dining table and cooking area. James was sent an array of samples to choose from as he was keen to closely blend with the patio, furniture and planting scheme.
The awnings were supplied with clear step-by-step instructions to ensure a seamless installation process, given James’ location.The end result was a sheltered outdoor oasis that functions like an additional living space: a cool, shaded dining area on hot days, and a stylish, weather-resistant extension of the home year-round.
Specification
Design: Bespoke pergola-fitted retractable awnings (2 sections)
Operation: Manual retraction with pulley system
Colours/Fabrics: Champagne Mesh, with Beige Binding
Installation: Self-fit with Instructions
Extras: Protective storage pouches
Location: Cornwall
Client Testimonial
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with our new retractable pergola awnings from C&J Outdoors. We recently installed two retractable awning sections above our outdoor dining table and cooking area, and it’s been a total game changer for our family. The installation was seamless – the clear instructions made it easy to get both sections up with no issues, and no more running inside when it’s too hot! Now we can enjoy a sheltered alfresco dining spot even on the brightest days, and I can comfortably tend the Big Green Egg grill without worrying about our guests overheating in the good weather. Even at midday there’s a noticeable drop in temperature under the awning – it creates a cool oasis while still letting in plenty of natural light , so our patio stays bright and breezy, never dark or gloomy.
From start to finish, the customer service at C&J Outdoors has been exceptional. The team guided us through a bespoke design process to adapt the awning perfectly to our pergola’s dimensions. Every question we had was answered promptly and with expertise. You can really tell this company has decades of marine experience behind them – the quality of workmanship, fabrics, and components is superb. The awning is made with marine-grade materials and stainless hardware, so it feels rock-solid and built to last even in our tough Cornish coastal climate. As someone who’s passionate about sustainability and durability, I appreciate that nothing about this product feels flimsy; it’s an investment that will withstand the elements for years.
We’ve essentially added another room to our home with these awnings. It’s amazing how versatile the space has become – a sunny patio is now a cozy outdoor living area for dining and cooking, no matter the weather. Our potted olive trees and jasmine are thriving in the protected microclimate beside the pergola, and the family can dine outside comfortably on hot afternoons. I was also impressed with the thoughtful extras C&J includes: for instance, storage pouches came with the awnings so we can easily tuck them away and protect them when not in use. Little details like that show the level of care and expertise in their work.
Lastly, we had a wide choice of colours for the awning fabric, which was fantastic. We found the perfect shade to complement our garden furniture and paving. The colour we chose blends into our Cornish coastal-Scandi look beautifully – it ties the whole outdoor space together. The end result doesn’t just look great, it feels like an extension of our home. We now have a stylish, sheltered outdoor oasis that lets us enjoy Cornwall’s fresh air and scenery in comfort.
In short, C&J Outdoors delivered on every promise – exceptional service, top-notch quality, and a design perfectly tailored to our needs. This retractable awning setup has truly transformed our garden, and I couldn’t recommend C&J highly enough to anyone looking to elevate their outdoor living space. It’s been a heartfelt upgrade for our family’s life at home, and we’re beyond grateful for it.”
– James Strawbridge, Cornwall
