Commercial Awning Installation at an Iconic Castleford Institution

Andrew Crookes
5 days ago
3 min read

Queens Mill Tea Rooms is one of Castleford’s most beloved local landmarks. Nestled within the historic Queens Mill building by the River Aire, the tea rooms have become a hugely popular destination for both residents and visitors from across West Yorkshire. With its reputation for homemade cakes, traditional afternoon teas, and welcoming atmosphere, the venue is usually bustling with customers who come to enjoy not only the food but also this unique heritage setting.

Like many successful hospitality businesses, Queens Mill Tea Rooms faced a common challenge: how to expand their seating space to keep up with growing demand. While they were fortunate to have a spacious outdoor terrace area, the unpredictability of the British weather meant this area could not be relied upon throughout the year. Rain, wind, and worse all posed problems for outdoor diners, limiting the tea rooms’ ability to maximise their capacity.

The Challenge: Creating a Weatherproof Outdoor Dining Area

The management team at Queens Mill Tea Rooms recognised the opportunity their riverside terrace provided. More seating meant more guests could be served at peak times, helping the tea rooms maintain their reputation as one of Castleford’s must-visit spots. However, without effective weather protection, the space remained underused.

Our challenge was clear: create a reliable, all-weather solution that allowed diners to enjoy the outdoor area comfortably, whatever the conditions. It was also important that the installation be durable, visually in keeping with the area, and capable of covering as many tables as possible.

The Solution: Installing a Weinor Topas II Commercial Awning

Infinity Awnings were brought in to design and install a shading system that would transform the terrace into a practical and inviting outdoor seating space. After assessing the site, we recommended the Weinor Topas II commercial awning, a model well-regarded for its strength, versatility, and suitability for demanding hospitality environments.

For this project, we chose a 7 metre wide by 3 metre deep awning, providing ample coverage for the tea rooms’ outdoor tables. The depth was particularly important, as it ensured maximum protection from rain and harsh sunlight.

To enhance usability, the awning was fitted with a Somfy io motor, allowing effortless electric operation at the touch of a button. This not only made it simple for staff to extend or retract the awning as required, but also added to the overall efficiency of managing the terrace space.

For the finishing touch, our installation featured dimmable integrated LED lighting (sorry, no pics). But this practical yet atmospheric feature allows Queens Mill Tea Rooms to create a warm, inviting ambience in the late afternoons, extending the usability of the outdoor area beyond daylight hours.

A New Era of Outdoor Dining in Castleford

Following the installation, Queens Mill Tea Rooms has been able to fully embrace its outdoor seating potential. The new commercial awning we installed at this Castleford landmark provides year-round flexibility, meaning that customers can enjoy riverside views without worrying about sudden changes in the weather.

For the business, this has meant increased seating capacity, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger return on investment from their outdoor terrace. The lighting integration has also proved popular with regulars, creating a cosy, intimate feel that has enhanced the venue’s charm during evening events.

Supporting Hospitality Across West Yorkshire

At Infinity Awnings, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored shading solutions to businesses across the region. From commercial awnings in Castleford to restaurant terrace projects across West Yorkshire, we work closely with hospitality businesses in the county and beyond to provide practical, durable, and stylish installations that transform outdoor spaces.

The Queens Mill Tea Rooms project is a perfect example of how the right awning can unlock new potential for a venue. By combining technical excellence with a deep understanding of commercial hospitality needs, Infinity Awnings continues to help local businesses make the most of their outdoor areas.