As readers will know, H&C News welcomes and publishes news of new or re-designed bars, pubs and hospitality establishments of all types, and recognises the importance of all aspects of ‘design’ in the success of hospitality businesses. H & C News was therefore pleased to receive the article that follows from Lauren Sutton on behalf of Trent Pottery and Furniture.
The significant role of style and identity
Those thinking of starting their own bar will come to learn that as well as the range of beverages on offer, style and identity will play a significant role in determining whether your bar is a success or not.
As a result, bar owners should ensure they have finalised their bar’s personality before building and furnishing their venue. For those who are yet to decide on their bar’s style, here is a short guide on the style of bars that are currently popular with consumers.
Wine Bar
The clue’s in the name; a wine bar is much more focused on selling glasses of wine over spirits and beer. As such, a wine bar has to develop a level of sophistication and luxury which should be evident in the bar’s furniture, mood, atmosphere, staff and overall branding. Style is everything in a wine bar, so business owners should research other wine bars in the local area to get a feel for the aura of such an establishment.
On the other hand, a number of wine bars are looking to remove wine’s connotations of pretension and upscale clientele by decorating their bar with coloured booths, beanbags, plush furnishings and other casual, laid-back furnishings. It could be a great option for owners looking to carve a niche in a city that associates wine with over-the-top elegance.
Sports Bars
Sports bars are becoming increasingly desirable for men and women looking to soak in the latest match, race or competition in the company of like-minded sports fans. With pubs and bars able to access multiple cable and PPV sports channels, the humble sports bar has grown into a must-visit for football, rugby, tennis, F1 and other sports fans who enjoy the camaraderie of watching their favourite team or sportsperson but can’t afford to attend.
Sports bars typically offer snacks like peanuts, nachos along with meals like burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, sandwiches and a variety of other foodstuffs associated with watching sport. As long as the bar has access to sport channels and can display the action on big screens and projectors, the style can take a back-seat.
Comedy/Live Bars
Bars with live music, art or comedy shows are becoming very popular with consumers looking to check some local talent or see a much-hyped band come to their town or city. Many bars and pubs now have an in-house stage where performers can dazzle audiences while serving a variety of beverages.
However, bars must ensure that the acts they are putting on are able to pull in customers to the venue; neither the bar nor the performers want an empty house!
In terms of style, live show bars need to be very accommodating to the performers in order to put on a great show. A stage, lights, a decent PA, speakers and more should be standard at live music bars so ensure any equipment you purchase suits the house style.
These are just three bar ideas open to budding entrepreneurs. Brewpubs, nightclubs, speciality bars, karaoke bars, salsa bars and cocktail bars represent just a handful of the other styles which could pull in customers: which option will you go for?
Article written by Lauren Sutton on behalf of Trent Pottery and Furniture