As views go, Dylan’s restaurant, in the charming Victorian Welsh coastal town of Criccieth, must have one of the best. Right by the sea, it looks out across the bay towards Criccieth’s medieval castle in one direction and the more distant Harlech Castle in the other.
The customer’s dining experience has always been paramount at Dylan’s, and never more so than this past year. Just like pubs, cafés and restaurants all over the country, as lockdown eased Dylan’s looked to maximise the comfort of their seating areas to make the most of their outdoor space.
Dylan’s decided to add a frameless glass balustrade to their terrace, to protect customers from coastal breezes without impacting on the stunning views. And the UK’s safety glass specialists TuffX were delighted to be chosen to supply 30 panels of 15mm toughened safety glass with dubbed corners for the job.
The balustrade channel was fitted on a staggered curve, to follow the elegantly sweeping shape of the dramatically glass-fronted building. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, the 1950’s Grade II-listed building was designed by architectural icon Clough Williams Ellis, who is most famous for his whimsical Portmeirion Village, further along the coast.
TuffX’s high-quality glass for the balustrade meant the exterior appearance of this impressive building remained unobstructed. Inside, diners can continue to enjoy the beautiful light and views courtesy of the floor-to ceiling glass windows, while those outside can now dine in comfort protected from sea winds, enjoying the same unimpaired scenic backdrop.
Graham Price, TuffX’s Managing Director, said: “Not many restaurants can boast a view or a building like Dylan’s, and the glass balustrade provides the perfect, practical addition to make the most of them.
“For all food and drink establishments this past year has meant re-evaluating the value of outdoor seating areas and the importance of providing customers with the option of comfortable and appealing outside spaces. Updating or introducing balustrades like this, made from toughened safety glass, is an simple way for venues to add a safe, easy to maintain and modern solution to improve their outdoor areas.”
