The Nutmeg Tree Café is a popular independent café in the heart of Ditchling, East Sussex. Each winter, the team faces a familiar challenge: an unused garden space and limited indoor seating during their busiest seasonal months. To maintain service levels and meet demand, especially during events and weekend peaks, they needed a warm, atmospheric, temporary extension that could boost capacity and revenue throughout the colder months.
The Challenge
The site came with its own complexities. The garden is small and paved, with all equipment needing to be carried through the café for each installation and removal. We had already supported the Nutmeg Tree Café in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and returned again in 2024 to deliver another seamless marquee solution.
The Solution
We installed a 4.5m x 6m clearspan marquee to create an inviting, weatherproof extension to the café. Despite the tight access and confined garden layout, the structure was installed in just one day.
To ensure the space was both practical and atmospheric, the marquee included:
- Internal linings
- Hard flooring
- Carpet
- Lighting
- Monthly health & safety checks throughout the hire period
The result was a high-quality, comfortable setting that operated as a natural continuation of the café’s existing space.
The Results
The new covered area allowed the Nutmeg Tree Café to maximise its garden space during the winter, providing additional seating, increasing capacity and ultimately boosting revenue.
The marquee quickly became a versatile venue for seasonal celebrations and private events, hosting everything from baby showers and weddings to Burns Night suppers and summer parties. Customers loved the cosy, atmospheric extension, helping the café maintain strong year-round trade.
The Experience
The Nutmeg Tree Café has returned to us year after year for reliable service, efficient installation, and consistently high-quality structures.
Client testimonial:
“We’ve used Trafalgar Marquees for several years now and have had exceptional service every time. With regular check-ups and friendly service we can thoroughly recommend them. We’ve used our marquee for baby showers, burns night, weddings, summer parties and more and our customers love it.”
