Mate, grass only looks good when someone else is mowing it every single weekend. You definitely made the right call pushing for a proper spot to sit outside with a pint. The main trick with outdoor seating is checking if the cushions come with zip-off covers so you can chuck them straight in the washing machine. The weather here turns constantly, and the fabric will inevitably get dirty at some point. Heavy wooden pieces look the part but they require regular treating with oil to stop them going green. As for shops, John Lewis usually stocks durable ranges that survive the British winters quite well. Sometimes Dunelm brings in modern collections that fit perfectly under a covered patio too.