Commercial Sliding Doors Transform The Kentish Rifleman Pub

Premium Aluminium Sliding Doors for Gastropub Dining

This premium Kent gastropub now features six bespoke slimline aluminium sliding door sets creating floor-to-ceiling glazing across three elevations with spectacular countryside views.

The installation demonstrates how commercial sliding doors can completely redefine a hospitality space, dissolving boundaries between interior dining and outdoor terraces. With solar controlled glazing, anthracite grey frames, and corner configurations wrapping around the building, these doors deliver both architectural drama and year-round functionality.

The Kentish Rifleman showcases FGC's expertise in comprehensive glazing solutions for upscale hospitality venues. This wasn't simply door replacement—it was a complete architectural transformation repositioning a traditional pub as a contemporary countryside dining destination.

Each of the six door sets was custom-configured to suit specific openings, creating a cohesive glazed envelope that floods the interior with natural light whilst maintaining clear sightlines to the Kent countryside beyond. The doors integrate beautifully with the venue's timber pergola structure and outdoor patio areas.

For gastropubs seeking to create the indoor-outdoor connection modern diners value, The Kentish Rifleman demonstrates what's achievable with premium commercial sliding doors.

Year-Round Revenue from Outdoor Spaces

Why Gastropubs Choose Commercial Sliding Doors

Countryside pubs face a fundamental challenge: capitalising on spectacular views and outdoor spaces whilst protecting customers from unpredictable weather. Traditional aluminium windows create enclosed spaces feeling disconnected from landscape. Fully open structures remain unusable during cold or wet weather.

Large-scale sliding doors solve this by offering variable configurations. During warm days, entire elevations open to create almost outdoor dining. When weather deteriorates, doors close for full protection whilst maintaining crucial countryside views that drive bookings.

Solar Control for Customer Comfort

The solar control glass reduces heat gain by reflecting infrared radiation before it enters the space. Diners enjoy unobstructed views without glare, heat, or discomfort at tables in direct sunlight. For operators, this means lower cooling costs and all seating usable throughout the day rather than sections unbearable during bright conditions.

The Kentish Rifleman can now confidently offer their glazed dining area year-round rather than treating it as seasonal overflow space.

Competitive Advantage

Countryside gastropubs increasingly compete on experience. Customers expect views, atmosphere, and Instagram-worthy environments. The Kentish Rifleman's extensive glazing delivers all three.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors create dramatic architectural impact signalling investment, quality, and contemporary thinking. The ability to offer guaranteed-comfortable dining with spectacular views positions the venue to command premium pricing and attract the affluent clientele rural gastropubs need.

Design Features That Drive Bookings

Minimal Sightlines, Maximum Impact

The slimline aluminium profiles achieve remarkable visual refinement. With ~35-40mm frame widths, these commercial systems create an almost frameless appearance allowing architecture and landscape to dominate. This refined aesthetic communicates quality whilst maximising glass area for natural light.

The Kentish Rifleman's interior floods with daylight from three sides, creating the bright, airy atmosphere customers expect from contemporary dining venues whilst reducing daytime artificial lighting needs.

Corner Configuration for Panoramic Views

The corner configuration where sliding door sets meet at building corners creates continuous wraparound glazing—delivering panoramic views impossible with traditional single-elevation glazing. Interior diners experience almost 270-degree connection to countryside, making the restaurant feel immersed in landscape.

From outside, wraparound glazing signals contemporary design and quality construction—differentiating the venue in competitive rural dining markets.

Anthracite Grey for Contemporary Aesthetic

The RAL 7016 anthracite grey matt finish exemplifies upscale gastropub design. This deep neutral grey balances industrial edge with refined elegance—the signature colour of contemporary hospitality venues.

Matt finishes minimise reflections in photographs (important for social media marketing), hide minor marks effectively, and convey tactile quality. The anthracite complements The Kentish Rifleman's black steel pergola, dark wood furniture, teal feature wall, and warm flooring—creating visual harmony customers expect from premium dining destinations.

Why Kent Gastropubs Trust FGC

Based in Strood, Kent, FGC Bespoke Aluminium brings local knowledge to every project. We understand Kent's architectural vernacular and planning requirements affecting commercial refurbishments in the region.

The Kentish Rifleman required coordination with timber pergola structure and sensitive integration with the historic pub building. Our Kent experience ensured smooth planning approval whilst achieving contemporary glazed aesthetic.

Understanding Hospitality Requirements

Commercial installations demand more than residential products. Doors must withstand higher traffic, meet public space building regulations, and deliver reliable performance under intensive daily use. FGC specifies systems engineered specifically for these demanding applications—working with premium brands like Origin, Smart Systems, and Aluco.

Our consultative approach understands how your venue operates—peak periods, customer flow, staff needs, and operational requirements—shaping product selection to support rather than hinder your business.

Transform Your Venue

If you're planning venue refurbishment or new build, The Kentish Rifleman demonstrates what's achievable with the right glazing partner. Whether transforming countryside pub, designing new restaurant, or expanding through glazed extensions, FGC can help realise your vision.

We offer:

• Free site surveys and technical consultations
• Bespoke design service tailored to your venue
• Project management from design through commissioning
• Commercial-grade hospitality systems
• Expert installation by experienced teams
• Comprehensive aftercare and maintenance

Large-Scale Installations Our Speciality

The Kentish Rifleman—with six door sets across three elevations—represents the scale and complexity FGC regularly delivers. We coordinate with other trades, manage delivery timings, and ensure efficient installation keeping projects on schedule.

Browse our portfolio of hospitality and commercial projects to see more examples of glazing installations across Kent, London, and the South East.

Investment That Delivers Returns

Commercial sliding doors represent significant investment delivering measurable returns: year-round trading in previously seasonal spaces, premium pricing through enhanced ambiance, and contemporary aesthetic driving bookings.

The Instagram-worthy architectural impact drives organic social media marketing. Comfortable, view-focussed environment increases dwell time and spend. Guaranteed-comfortable dining regardless of weather improves booking conversion. Collectively, these deliver ROI extending well beyond construction phase.

Ready to transform your venue? Contact FGC Bespoke Aluminium for your free consultation. We'll visit, discuss requirements, and provide comprehensive proposal showing how bespoke aluminium sliding doors can enhance your business.

Explore Our Products

The Kentish Rifleman features products from our premium range:

• Slimline Sliding Patio Doors - Minimal sightlines, maximum impact
• Sliding Patio Doors Range - Complete sliding door collection
• Aluminium Bifolding Doors - Alternative opening configurations
• Aluminium Windows - Complement your door installation
• Our Premium Brands - Origin, Smart Systems, Aluco

FAQs

How long does installation take?
Multi-set installations typically require 2-3 weeks depending on complexity and coordination with other trades. Contact us for a detailed project timeline.

Can sliding doors work in heritage buildings?
Yes. The Kentish Rifleman integrated modern sliding doors with traditional pub building, demonstrating contemporary glazing can complement heritage architecture. View more Kent commercial projects.

What maintenance is required?
Annual servicing keeps mechanisms operating smoothly and weather seals performing. We offer maintenance contracts with flexible scheduling avoiding trading disruptions.

How do sliding doors compare to bifolds for restaurants?
Sliding doors offer wider individual panels, simpler operation, less floor space for stacking, and smoother operation under intensive daily use—ideal for large restaurant elevations. Compare with our bifold door range.

What's the energy efficiency?
Modern systems with thermal breaks, double glazing, and weather seals meet building regulations. Solar control glass at The Kentish Rifleman reduces cooling costs whilst thermal performance maintains comfort during cooler months.

What brands do you work with?
We're proud partners with premium brands including Origin, Smart Systems, and Aluco, ensuring commercial-grade quality and performance.