Halloween was set to be the final day for the on-street patio seating of the Penny Farthing pub.

Instead, Oak Bay council extended the use of public spaces until Oct. 31 of 2021, and as a result there could be more.

The on-street seating of the Penny Farthing and Vis a Vis on Oak Bay Avenue and the expanded sidewalk seating of Ruth and Dean restaurant in Estevan Village are the only businesses to take advantage of the space. There were some businesses in Oak Bay, such as The Oaks, that wanted to but were handcuffed in terms of options.

However, there are more businesses interested, said Dan Horan, director of engineering and public works, responding to Coun. Hazel Braithwaites question regarding overall demand.

One business has wanted to make a more permanent patio, and a couple of others have talked about it but didnt put their plans in place, Horan said. I anticipate interest will be higher once its [extended].

READ ALSO: Pub seeks 55-seat patio on Oak Bay Avenue

The bylaw amendment is a temporary pilot project by the province called the Temporary Expanded Services Area which allows licensed liquor and food services to expand their operating footprints. Businesses can use sidewalk and on-street parking to stay open while supporting social distancing. The province recently extended the pilot into Oct. 31, 2021.

Victoria will also vote on extending the same bylaw amendment on Oct. 14 as it has more than a dozen businesses that took advantage including sections of Broad and Government streets, which are fully and partially closed to auto traffic.

READ ALSO: Oak Bay restaurant seeks use of public space for patios

With rainfall from the first big fall storm still drying, Coun. Esther Paterson questioned the safety and financial demands of weather-proofing for businesses that want to use public space in the winter, given that its outdoors.

Those concerns will be addressed, Horan said.

Its not just for seating, Mayor Kevin Murdoch said on Wednesday. Theres at least one restaurant that wants to set up shelter for those lining up [safely] to pick up food without getting soaked. Saying that, the business owner has to consider if the tent, or whatever structure it is, can be snow-loaded. Or, can heaters go inside a plastic dome.

For Coun. Andrew Appleton, the extension was a slam dunk.

The ability [for the public] to perceive public space [roads] differently is a huge win, he said.

reporter@oakbaynews.com

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Oak Bay extends on-street patio use into 2021 Vancouver Island Free Daily - vancouverislandfreedaily.com

Just in time for perfect weather in Las Vegas, CraftHaus Brewery & Tap Room in the Arts District opens its new extended patio for beers, al fresco dining, and cool nights.

The brewery teamed up with neighboring Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant on the 1,500-square-foot patio that plans to remain open through January 5. Patrons from both venues can use the patio.

Customers can find picnic tables and benches that seat up to six that sit on top of a wood deck with ample social distancing between tables with ambient music playing. CraftHaus placed wood barrels from their barrel-aged program to give the space more of a beer garden vibe.

Those who want to eat can find curated cheese and charcuterie boards as well as soft CraftHaus pretzels paired with beer cheese or beer bacon jam or prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. A vegan deli board and pretzel option also make the menu.

The tap room from owners Wyndee and Dave Forrest features 22 CraftHaus brew taps, cider, Vesta Cold Brew coffee on nitrogen, and white wine.

The Arts District Now Has a Taproom from CraftHaus [ELV]

All The New Bars, Restaurants, and Breweries Headed to the Arts District [ELV]

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CraftHaus opens a new patio for beer drinking in the Arts District - Eater Vegas

Fall is certainly here in Toronto, and we just got a hidden harvest patio behind a bar and art gallery.

Cry Baby Gallery is itself hidden behind an art gallery, and now has another secret behind that: a patio complete with hay bales, pumpkins and cozy fall cocktails.

"When the weather started to get colder we knew that we wanted to provide something seasonal and comfortable for our guests that would allow them to continue to enjoy our offerings and outdoor space," says Rob Granicoloof Cry Baby.

"The heated harvest patio just made sense. We developed a menu of hot and cold fall cocktails, set up straw bale seating and pumpkin displays and built rustic furniture to transport our guests to a rural pumpkin patch."

The cocktail menu consists of treats like the Coco Caliente with house spicy hot chocolate mix,Herradura Blanco,Briottet Cacoa Blanc,Amaro del Capo, torched marshmallows, and everyone's favourite: oat milk. There's also the Live Free or Chai Hard with rum, house chai, star anise and Punch Abbruzzo, and a New Wave 75 with cranberry-infused gin.

This isn't the first time something exciting has popped up at the Cry Baby patio.

"Since we created the patio this summer, we have been constantly evolving the concept to offer one of a kind experiences for our guests," says Granicolo."

"In July we began a live art series in the alley behind the bar, where we invited local artists to participate in large scale live paintings and featured the pieces in the gallery. In August we hosted our first PinaColooza,a celebration of all things pina colada, featuring multiple variations of the classic summertime drink."

Safety measures includesanitization stations, contact tracing for each guest, tables spaced six feet apart and masks for all staff, and you have until it starts to get really chilly to experience the harvest patio and grab one of those boozy hot chocolates.

"We are planning on keeping the harvest patio around until mid to late November, when we will be ready to launch the next experience," say Granicolo. Do I hear jingle bells? We'll just have to wait and see.

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Toronto just got a hidden outdoor patio with hay bales and fall cocktails - blogTO

The architects deliberately positioned the house on the western side of the site to keep it from overheating

Theres nothing better than a home that helps you connect with nature at all times. A dwelling that through its design, is able to induce serenity, rest and peace. With these ideas in mind, Jannina Cabal & Arquitectos designed a house in Samborondon, Ecuador for a family of five. The owners wanted a simple home that would seamlessly merge with the green landscape around, as the site is also bordered by a picturesque park and lake.

The architects built a minimalist, two-tier structure made of textured stone, lined with black iron. The structure stands right at the ground level, so during the warm season, the owners open up the glass partitions, connecting the house with the garden.

The house has two floors, but the second, smaller one, is used only as a utility room with a laundry area. The main living room is on the first level with direct access to the pool and patio. The architects deliberately positioned the house on the western side of the site to keep it from overheating, and left the rest of the area for open living spaces.

In addition, to create a private area for the residents of the house, the architects did not use typical partitions and walls, but natural elements. They used a green hill as a barrier, which hides the courtyard from prying eyes.

The house can be accessed via a concrete corridor, which the owners use as a gallery for their art collection. A large foyer flows into the open-plan dining area and living room. This space is the heart of the house and is linked to a cozy patio. All the bedrooms are in the western part of the buildingone can access them via the recreation area and the kitchen.

This article first appeared in AD Russia

This Vadodara home explores the versatility and vibrance of grey

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A home in Ecuador with the most dreamy patio - Architectural Digest India

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Merwins Wharf will open Thursday for patio dining, carryout and walk up window service, the Cleveland Metroparks said in a news release Monday.

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, when the weather allows. The inside of the restaurant will remain closed.

Reservations are strongly recommended, and they can be made by calling the restaurant at 216-664-5696 or online. Parties cannot exceed six people, and face coverings must be worn, except when seated.

Face coverings arent required for people with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability or anyone whos unable to take off the mask without help. Children under 6 also dont need to wear face coverings.

The restaurant has implemented optional contactless ordering, as well as a contactless menu to help keep customers safe. Patio seating has been adjusted for social distancing and designed so customers also have nice views of the Cuyahoga River and different wildlife in the area.

Located in The Flats, Merwins Wharf serves dishes such as polish boys, the crispy walleye sandwich and the park district Burger. The restaurant also serves an assortment of beers, wines and various specialty drinks.

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Cleveland Metroparks opening Merwins Wharf for patio dining, carryout, walk up window service select days - cleveland.com

When is patio season over? It depends on who you ask.

While restaurants in Calgary aren't banking on a mild and forgiving winter, some will pull out all the stops to keep patios bustling as long as possible.

On 17th AvenueS.W., Douglas Crossman is seated outside, but ready to leave the cafe patiodark clouds are looming and the wind has picked up. Open to the elements, he'd only last a few minutes outside.

"We give up on patio season a little bit early," Crossman said. "I hope [restaurants keep patios going] because there are people who are uncomfortable eating inside and in a small, confined space, which I completely understand."

Ashley Popko said she usually says goodbye to patios at the end of September. But because of the pandemic, she's willing to don a puffy jacket and get cozy with friends.

"I'm a fairweather patio person," Popko said. "Even today it's a little bit chilly for me. But I think right now it's changed a lot and people are wanting to be outside more."

To keep him outside for the winter,Crossmansaidrestaurants might need to invest in winterizing patios.

"The problem with milking the patio season if you haven't bought heaters and you haven't bought, like, the extra tables or the, you know, the enclosures, then it's going to be a little bit more expensive," Crossman said.

"Otherwise, let's be honest, if it's minus 15, even if you're wearing a puffy jacket, it's hard to eat with mittens."

Mayor Naheed Nenshi encouraged restaurants to invest in heaters, lamps andeven blankets. He told reporters at a press conference last week that he's concerned if patios close, Calgary's COVID-19 numbers may rise.

"Keep those patios open as far into the season as we can," Nenshi said. "I am a little bit nervous that even though restaurants are doing a terrific job of managing physical distancing by and large in the restaurant, as the restaurant gets colder there's always a concern that more indoor gatherings will lead to more spread."

Mark Petros owns Nick's Steakhouse and Pizza near McMahon Stadium. He said typically their patio season can last as long as the CFL season so, November or December, depending on the year.

Depends on the snow

"We'll see what happens. Depends on the snow," Petros said.

Ernie Tsu owns the Trolley 5 Community Brewpub and is on the Alberta Hospitality Association board. He said the group is hoping the province considers easing indoor physical distancing rules so that restaurants have more of a fighting chance.

"After the high school announcements, we would like to see a little bit of an easement, but again, only if that keeps the public safe at the same time," he said.

While patios have been a help, he added they are not a saving grace. Restaurants, especially small footprint businesses, are going to need support through the pandemic because they have an extremely limited indoor capacity.

"They can only operate at 35 per cent capacity once, you know, once the patio is closed. Those are the restaurants that we really, truly worry about," Tsu said.

"The number one issue is full rent, right? Restaurants that are operating at 30, 40 per cent, 50 per cent capacity. You know, how are they to pay for rent? And that's the largest issue right now."

Read more here:
Patios could give restaurants a fighting chance, but they aren't a silver bullet - Yahoo News Canada

Gary Dzen, Deputy Digital Sports Editor

September 4, 2020

As of 4 p.m. Friday, Lord Hobos new Seaport brewery patio will be open for business.

Lord Hobo founder Daniel Lanigan confirmed that the 240-person patio will open for the first time Friday. Lanigan signed a lease on the space at Two Drydock last October, promising at the time to open The Taj Mahal of breweries there.

The COVID 19 pandemic halted the Woburn-based brewerys plans to build out the space inside, but starting this weekend, patrons will be able to enjoy beer, wine, and canned cocktails on the patio seven days a week.

We decided to shift gears and get our patio up and running, says Lanigan. Originally our patio called for a capacity of 550, which is pretty serious. Now with COVID, and our tables being six feet apart, its 240.

Lord Hobo Seaport will feature six beers (think flagships like Boom Sauce double IPA and Freebird golden ale) on tap and another 10 in cans. Limited-edition beers like Blackberry Milkshake IPA, usually available only at the brewerys tap room in Woburn, will also be available at the Seaport. In addition to selling brews to consume on-site, Lord Hobo will also sell its beers to-go. A Bon Me truck will be a permanent, seven-day-a-week fixture on the premises.

Were gonna run the patio every day until it gets too cold, Lanigan said. Its a short season, well probably get two months out of it.

This is the safest place to have fun, have drinks, sit outside. Probably the safest place is on your couch, but after six months were all tired of that.

Lord Hobo Seaports patio hours are extensive 3 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and noon to midnight on weekends at least for now.

I think we have the latest patio, says Lanigan. A lot of patios close at 9 or 10. Were hoping to grab those folks on their way home, and also the industry folks.

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Lord Hobos new Seaport brewery patio opens this weekend - Boston.com

BOSTON (CBS) With colder temperatures around the corner, many restaurants are hoping to have their patios stay open for business as long as possible.

Michael Seznec, Senior VP of Operations at Harvest, shared, Its critical. People really, really like the patio of course these days, they want to sit outside.

Were hoping to keep it open forever outside, frankly, Seznec said. Even in the middle of winter, people can be out here dining if they want to be.

Harvests patio has been operating for 45 years and is equipped well for times like this, with a fireplace, partial roof, and heat lamps. This year, they are especially grateful to have the space.

Seznec added, this is always a very popular spot. Now Id say even on marginal weather days people really want to be outside.

Over in the Seaport, this is Woods Hill Pier 4s first patio season. Owner Kristin Canty notes, its been completely imperative that we have this outdoor area. Not that many people want to sit inside, everybody calls and says they would prefer to be outside.

They decided to keep it going into the winter by adding 12 igloos, which, when finished, will accommodate up to 6 guests. Canty adds, we just jumped at the idea because they are see-through so people can still take advantage of the views and be in a cozy setting with people that they trust and their families but not near other people at all.

Even though shes investing in glass dividers for the inside this winter, shes expecting that people will want to bundle up and is even looking into having single-use blankets.

Canty adds, Were just really happy to be reinventing ourselves and think of creative ways for people to still enjoy eating out.

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Restaurants Getting Creative To Keep Patio Season Going - CBS Boston

CHICAGO (CBS) This has been a summer of highs and lows for Chicagos restaurant industry, as diners have seen new places open and others close because of the coronavirus pandemic.

We wondered about the spots that are hanging on.

As CBS 2s Lauren Victory reported, the patio at Wood, at 3335 N. Halsted St. in Boystown, was empty Monday because the restaurant was closed for Labor Day. So why give up revenue when the industry has already taken such a hit because of COVID-19?

The general manager said staff usually get the holiday, and especially deserved it after a rollercoaster of a summer.

Meanwhile at Chicagos Home of Chicken & Waffles, at 3947 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Bronzeville, the syrup is still sticky. The situation is sticky too.

We usually have a full house, mostly every day, said manager Emma Hester.

A return of business is a beautiful sight, said Hester and general manager Brian Mills. But it has been quite the season keeping up with customers, and dealing with the citys constantly changing restaurant rules.

Were rolling with the punches right now, Mills said.

They and other Chicago restaurants gone from carry-out-only restrictions through Memorial Day to outdoor seating only until July 4th.

And after that, getting back to normal hit a rocky start for many including the staff back at Wood.

There were major protests in the area. We had to board up our windows on the 2nd of June, the day before we were going to first be allowed to have people at the restaurant again, said Wood general manager Jeremiah Duncan.

Before that, Wood was attempting to make ends meet through takeout orders. In April and May, the patio was going unused because of COVID-19 rules, so owners lent it to another struggling industry events design.

A popup fundraising flower shop outside Wood drew interest from sidewalk traffic that occasionally was hungry too.

There were so many question marks, but once we were able to open up the patio, the response was incredible, Duncan said.

It was a triumphant feeling, but will it continue? Labor Day will give way to Halloween and Thanksgiving and beyond, and when the cold sets in, the patios will be gone.

How can restaurants weather the cold when Chicago rules still cap indoor dining at 25 percent?

Well just have to see what happens, you know? Mills said. We dont know if well be able to open up fully or if well still have to keep our social distancing.

The Illinois Restaurant Association said its top priority right now is fighting to increase Chicagos 25 percent capacity rule. At the same time, the group is partnering with the City of Chicago to offer $5,000 cash to people who come up with the best ideas for eating in the indoors and outdoors when the weather turns.

The Winter Design Challenge ends at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Winners will be announced at the end of the month.

Corporate sponsors will likely fund pilot programs of the chosen ideas after that.

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Restaurants That Have Hung On Through Pandemic Brace For Turn Of Weather - CBS Chicago

Were all eating a little differently these days: Cooking at home more. Ordering takeout. Now thatPhase 3 is well underway, though, some of us are starting to sip cocktails on patios and enjoy indoor dining again. Whatever your comfort level, heres whats been going on in Bostons restaurant world recently, plus a few ways to enjoy some of our regions best restaurants and bars from both the comfort of your own home and out in the world.

Need something to look forward to? Here are 10 restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries gearing up to open this fall.

Chefs and owners Kate and Trevor Smith have opened their London gastropub-inspired restaurant, Thistle & Leek, located on a prime corner of Newton Centre.

Read our interview with Sam Calagione on his Massachusetts roots, 25 years of Dogfish Head, and the next big thing in beer.

The closures this week hit hard: The Fours, a famed watering hole near TD Garden, announced it had shuttered after 44 years; Kendall Square brunch spot The Friendly Toast closed; Bull McCabes in Somerville revealed it would not reopen; The Pour House on Boylston Street is being sold due to COVID-19; and Irish pub Lir permanently closed after 17 years.

As Phase 3 chugs along and indoor dining resumes at some restaurants, patios are continuing to pop up across the city. This week is no different here are handful of recently-opened outdoor dining spaces to lounge on this weekend.

Juliet: Somerville darling Juliet launched its patio on Thursday for la carte dinner service outside, with reservations available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Dine on Maine kelp salad alfresco, or, if youre looking for a special Labor Day meal, make a reservation for Juliets Lobster Club shindig on Monday afternoon.

Scampo: Lydia Shires beloved Scampo, an Italian restaurant inside the Liberty Hotel, recently reopened for dinner service with both indoor seating and a 60-seat outdoor patio. Regulars will find some of their favorites, like Lydias lobster pizza and pumpkin agnolotti, back on the menu.

Sweet Basil: The second location of David Beckers Sweet Basil debuted in Waltham on Tuesday in the former Balani space, and includes an expansive patio for those warm summer (and fall) nights. Im hoping to stop by soon for a lavender gimlet, arancini, and pork katsudon.

Tanm: Filipino American restaurant Tanm returns to Bow Market on Friday with its Kamayan sa Labas dinners, an eat-with-your-hands, shareable feast served on a banana leaf. Make your reservations here for patio seating, and get ready to dig into dishes like crispy roasted pork belly, lumpiang Shanghai, and ground pork fried spring rolls.

Trillium Brewings new 166-acre farm in North Stonington, Conn., has produced its first harvest, and we all get to reap the rewards. The brewery just launched a farm box program, offering a $30 box of produce that can be ordered each week starting on Wednesday at 9 a.m. for same-day pickups at Trillium Canton. Theres no subscription necessary, and each box comes with a selection of recipes from executive chef Thomas Park dishes like smashed fingerling potatoes and green goddess dressing. Pick up some beer while youre at it for a well-balanced meal.

Its Labor Day Weekend, and while you may have your grilling plans nailed down, here are some last-minute options that might come in handy: Pick up one of Curds & Co.s new 6 foot picnics, which includes three cheeses, crackers, pairings, and a playlist. Head to OddFellows Ice Cream Co. in Chestnut Hill to snag a recently-launched Mr Black x OddFellows affogato kit, which comes with a pint of your choice of OddFellows ice cream, an eight-ounce flask of Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee liqueur, and a selection of toppings. Branch Line in Watertown has a handful of Labor Day specials on its menu, including a barbecue package featuring sherry-glazed ribs, smoked pork shoulder, and corn on the cob. And for pie, the incomparable Petsi Pies offers pickups and deliveries through Sunday just be sure to place your order a day in advance.

Read this: Beverage writers Robert Simonson and Jon Bonn are usually able to predict upcoming trends in the drink world. This year has, well, kind of thrown them for a loop. In this Punch article, they take a look back at their predictions and revise them for our COVID-19 times.

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This weekend: Where to find Labor Day Weekend takeout options - Boston.com