With so many new bars opening, the time is right to make sure yours stands out in every way. These clever design tips will keep your customers coming back for more.
Design should set the atmosphere
When designing your bar, think about your target demographic, the types of venues they frequent, and how yours can capitalise in this. To gather this information, you will need to conduct your research before embarking on the design process. Once you have selected the style of your bar to match your target audience, you can begin.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the first things that will strike customers upon entering your establishment and it can deter them from going any further or beckon them on, accordingly. Do you want to energise and excite your customers, or enchant and relax? If you’re planning to run a family-friendly café-bar, you might consider bright, colourful lighting that children will enjoy, whilst illuminating enough of the seating areas that parents can keep an eye on both infants and their possessions. For a late-night cocktail bar, low lighting, discreet fairy lights or table candles may be a better option. You can also adjust the type and colour scheme of your lighting plan for specific events or celebrations; Halloween and Valentine’s day being great examples.
Music
Music is another brilliant way to enrich the customer experience. If it’s a party atmosphere you wish to create, go for cheerful, upbeat and more prominent music; either well-known classics people can sing along to or the specific genres your market research indicates. For smaller or more elegant settings, you could consider classical music, ambient jazz and slower-tempo music that is discreet enough not to interfere with the key business of ordering and of customer conversation. You can also host ‘Special Guest’ bands or solo musicians to draw crowds on slower days, or for special events.
Design should always be practical
When designing your bar, the location of key areas, such as the bar, kitchen, toilets and exits should be carefully considered. Generally, the kitchen will be located out of sight, tucked away behind the front of the business, the bar. However, may wish to make either location more prominent; you might have the bar or kitchen as an island in the centre, particularly if they hold a unique selling point. The preparation of flamboyant cocktails or extravagant food can delight your customers and provide a talking point as long as they ca be adequately stocked and equipped; nothing is more disruptive than a harried waiter or sous-chef hurtling back and forth through your customers!
Exits, designated smoking areas and toilets should always be clearly indicated and easily accessible.
You should always make sure there are sufficient seats where there are tables, enough space for customers to enter, exit and queue safely. Ensure you know your bar’s comfortable and maximum capacities, and aim to operate within the former.
A crucial element of design practicality, customer comfort and a major factor in the mood of your bar or restaurant is how quickly customers can get to the bar, and get served. If you are struggling to serve the crowds on busy days, there is no need to lose customers. With portable bars from Oasis, you can serve additional customers quickly and efficiently, eliminating lengthy waits, disgruntled customers and stressed-out staff. Oasis’ portable bars let you sell and serve more, leaving your customers to enjoy their experience.