Pubs and Bars – Getting into Food

July 22nd, 2010

By Richard N Williams

You don’t need me to tell you that the pub and bar trade is suffering. What, with the smoking ban, recession and cuts to public spending, many businesses are suffering. It’s no surprise that many traditional pubs and drinks only bars are beginning to diversify.

Serving food is one way many pubs and bars are able to generate extra revenue and prevent them from being one of the pubs that coses down every single day in the UK.

But getting into food can be fraught with pitfalls and challenges, which for the experienced can be daunting. Not only do you have to find a chef, buy kitchen equipment for bars and get the food in, there are a myriad of certificates and approvals needed from local authorities.

However, while I can’t assist you in selecting a chef, or dealing with the local council – I can provide you with some tips for buying kitchen equipment for bars and pubs:

The best thing to do is to split the process into three:

Many Pubs are now serving food

Many Pubs are now serving food

The Customer

There are few pieces of bar equipment required when the customer first enters. The first is the menu. To avoid printing costs and regular amendments the simplest solution is to use a blackboard. These menuboards can either be used for the entire menu of to place specials on.

Cutlery for bars is another item that will be needed before the customer can start their meal. Make sure all cutlery is stainless steel as it is easy to clean and more hygienic. Only but good quality cutlery otherwise it will have to be regularly replaced; condiment holders likewise.

The Kitchen

To establish the equipment required it is best to speak to the chef, after-all they will be using it and know exactly what is needed. But there are basics for the pub kitchen; knives, chopping boards and other utensils.

As for cooking equipment, a good over, hob and deep fat fryer are a must for most traditional pub menus. Chef wear is also important to ensure hygiene in the kitchen

The Service

Service trays or even trolleys should be used if you haven’t got experienced waiting staff, otherwise accidents will be inevitable. Food warmers are also a good idea, especially for when it is busy as it prevents dishes and meals getting cold.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Bar Ideas, equipping bar, hotel and bar equipment, kitchen equipment, restaurant bar | No Comments »

Cocktails – The fun starts here

July 9th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

There is no better way to get a party swinging that to serve cocktails. Whether you are running a bar, pub, hotel or restaurant; or just want to celebrate with friends there is no better way than with a cocktail night.

The advantages of cocktails is that they are so varied and different it is possible to find a cocktail for everybody’s tastes. So no matter what the clientele to your bar or pub, or the type of guests that you invite you should be able to find something for nearly everybody’s tastes; and you don’t need too many bar accessories either.

What is a cocktail

A cocktail is just an alcoholic drink that contains more than one ingredient. Usually cocktails contain a mixture of alcohol and fruit based drinks but nearly anything can go in a cocktail. Often cocktails are served in long glasses or with special cocktail glasses. Commonly, garnish such as cherries, olives or umbrellas are used to add a touch of glamour to the cocktail.

Types of cocktail

There are many famous names of cocktails. Each with its own history and unique taste. Here are some of the most commonly produced cocktails:

* Screwdriver
* Manhattan
* Black Russian
* Gin Sour
* Sex on the Beach
* Pina Colada
* Harvey Wallbanger

Preparing Cocktails

Cocktails are either shaken or stirred. All cocktails need to be mixed properly as alcohol and fruit juices have different densities which could mean the ingredients could separate without a good shake of mix-up.

What cocktail equipment do I need

Preparing cocktails is quite simple and doesn’t require too much speciality bar equipment. The most basic cocktail equipment needed, includes:

Cocktail stirrers and shakers – for mixing the drinks. It is an idea to look for stainless steel shakers and stirrers and these are more hygienic and easy to clean.

Cocktail glasses – while any tall glass will do, cocktail glasses can created that added extra touch.

Ice and bucket – nearly all cocktails require ice so good supply of ice and an ice bucket to prevent it from melting is essential.

Garnish -umbrellas, cocktail sticks, olives, cherries. In fact all sorts of things can be used as a garnish for cocktails.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, Bar Ideas, Bar equipment, Cocktail Bars | 1 Comment »

Essential Bar Accessories – Running a bar and what you need

June 25th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Running a bar, like any business, is all about being prepared and ensuring you have the right tools for the job. In ordering bar accessories or buying bar supplies it doesn’t pay to cut corners or by poor quality equipment.

The requirements for running a successful bar differ from bar to bar, location to location but there are some essentials and basic bar equipment that all bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs should have. Whether it is a local pub or uptown club, there are basic drinks and equipment that every establishment should have in stock.

Cocktail Equipment

Cocktail Equipment

Here is a list of the most essential bar equipment and accessories::

The essentials

These items should be behind every bar. When purchasing look for quality and durability, there is no point in buying bar accessories that are cheap if they break and need replacing. For most food or drink accessories always look for stainless steel. It’s easy to clean, strong and hygienic.

  • Corkscrew – no bar can function without being able to open wine bottles
  • Cleaning products – For wiping surfaces, bar, the pumps etc. A bar has to be kept clean so a good supply of clothes and cleaning items should always be kept in stock.
  • Bottle Opener – How else are you going to open the mixers
  • Ice Bucket and scoop – People don’t like warm drinks so ice is a must as is the bucket, scoop and tongs.
  • Measures – necessary for spirits. Look for stainless steel measures although glass is nearly as good – although less durable if dropped.
  • Towels – necessary for drying glasses and the hundred and one other jobs bar towels finds themselves tasked with. 100% cotton is by far the best option.
  • Cocktail accessories – everything from the stirrer, shaker, garnish, to perhaps an electric blender. If cocktails are asked for you need to be able to at least serve the basics so ensure you have enough cocktail accessories and equipment.
  • Cutting board and knife – needed for lemons, lime and other fruit. This too needs to be easy to clean. So get a good sharp stainless steel knife and easy to clean cutting board.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, cleaning accessories, hotel and bar equipment, hotel equipment | No Comments »

Keeping Bars and Hotels Clean – Janitorial Accessories

June 18th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Often in the hotel, bar or restaurant business, some of the key workers often go unseen but without them no businesses would be able to function. Keeping a premises clean, from the bathrooms to the bar, is as important an aspect of running any hospitality business as the services on offer.

If janitorial services slip in any business it will, in nearly all cases, result in a loss of trade. And in an industry where reputation is so important, poor janitorial hygiene could lead to failure of the business.

Ensuring the hotel, bar or restaurant has enough janitorial accessories and cleaning equipment is vital in ensuring that are staff tasked to cleaning the premises can do so efficiently and is just as important as all the other bar accessories and equipment.

All areas of janitorial equipment should be regularly stack checked to ensure enough quantity – running out of a vital product such as bathroom towels can be disastrous during the middle of a busy service.

The type of janitorial equipment required for any establishment falls into three areas:

  • Cleaning Products
  • Tools
  • Accessories

Cleaning Products

A good supply of cleaning products should always be kept up as they will be used daily. Think of everything from glass cleaning solution to rinse aid, bleach, polish and detergents.,

Cleaning Tools

These are the items the staff will need to ensure the floors are mopped, swept and polished. It’s a good idea to ensure items like mops or polishers are regularly replaced to ensure the cleaning is being conducted as efficiently as possible. Buckets, and even bottle bins and outdoor rubbish bins should also be provided. It is important to remember that janitorial equipment for bars, hotels and restaurants will need to be practical and robust – far more so that the equipment used at home.

Janitorial Accessories are vital

Janitorial Accessories are vital

Janitorial Accessories

It is vital that items such as bathroom towels in the dispensers, toilet rolls and other items are fully replenished. Often it is easier to provide items such as automatic hand dryers rather than towels as this prevents the need for replacement. There are quite a range of automatic hand dryers available too – many of which need very little maintenance.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bar equipment, cleaning accessories, cleaning equipment, hotel and bar equipment, hotel equipment, janitorial accessories | No Comments »

Bar Supplies and Accessories – Get Stocked up for the World Cup

June 10th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

With the FIFA World Cup around the corner there is expected to be a much needed increase in pub-goers during the period. This is great news for the pub and bar industry but the tournament won’t last forever so many publicans are ensuring they make the most of the increase in trade.

By taking advantage of the World Cup Tournament it is hoped that many pubs and bars that have been struggling over the recent economic problems can manage to turn their businesses around. However, planning is vital if you want to make a success of the World Cup period and increase your revenue.

World Cup promotions will bring customers through the door and many bar and pub owners are stocking up before the tournament starts. However, while they may be increasing their wet-stock deliveries, many are neglecting to ensure they have enough bar supplies and bar equipment.

Don't forget the paper towels

Don't forget the paper towels

Increase in Numbers

The increase in trade should see more stock sold and hopefully more revenue but there will also be an increase in usage. Stock levels of everything will need to be considered and a whole host of extra bar equipment will need to be increased in order to cope with the demand.

For instance, if you are offering bottled drink promotions you will need to consider another bottle skip or may find yourself knee deep in empty bottles. Extra waste bins will also be good idea as you may find them getting full rather too quickly.

If you serve food you may find that you don’t have enough cutlery or plates to satisfy the demand. Dishwashers only works so fast so make sure you order cutlery enough and kitchen equipment before the tournament starts.

You have to consider the extra usage of the bathroom facilities too so ensure you have enough towels and other bathroom accessories.

Staff levels during this time will also have to be increased so this may pose other problems such as scheduling breaks and such like. However, remember that during the matches themselves there will always be a lull in trade so it’s a good time to issue breaks or prepare for the half time surge.

Also remember with more people behind the bar they will be using more bar accessories so ensure you have extra corkscrews, measures, ice buckets and other bar equipment.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bar equipment, hotel and bar equipment | No Comments »

Bar Housekeeping Tips – Keeping the Bar Clean

June 1st, 2010

By Richard N Williams

The bar is the heart of any pub, restaurant and hotel. It is a place for meeting, relaxing and socialising and a good bar will do just as much for an establishment’s reputation as a bad bar will to tarnish it.

Hygiene and cleanliness are therefore essential in helping ensure a bar is a nice place to be. Cleaning the bar in itself can be a challenge, especially in a busy establishment which is why it is important to ensure you have the right bar equipment and accessories to ensure the bar is kept clean and dry.

Spills

Prevention is so much easier than cure, especially when it comes to spills and moisture on the bar. Nothing will infuriate a customer than his or her sleeve becoming sodden with spills.

Drip trays are essential for underneath beer pumps. Not just because it will help ensure beer isn’t dripped over the bar surface but also it will prevent spills on the floor which can be a hazard for bar staff. But also bar trays should be considered for the bar too. Not all bar trays are unattractive either. They are often produced in brass or other metals to provide the right aesthetics for a bar.

But drip trays are not the only solution when it comes to spills. Drinks mats are also essential and they can range too; from the small cardboard coasters handed out by the breweries to larger heavy duty glass mats.

Deluxe bar tray in brass

Deluxe bar tray in brass

Cleaning

Cleaning of the bar should be conducted throughout the service. Both a damp and dry cloth should regularly be used to mop up spills and to ensure the bar surface is dry before each customer.

The bar should also be cleaned and polished after each service. This might seem a laborious task but a good polish is essential to protect the surface.

Housekeeping

Ensuring litter is removed from the bar area is also important for it’s general appearance. Ashtrays (if smoking is permitted) should be regularly emptied and cleaned while crisps packets, empty glasses and other items should be removed from the bar swiftly.

A good waste bin behind the bar is also essential and should be considered as essential as other bar equipment and bar accessories.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, Bar equipment, hotel and bar equipment, restaurant bar | No Comments »

Starting a Bar – what bar accessories do you need?

May 20th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

There is so much to think about when setting up a bar:  the furniture, layout, decorations; not to mention buying the stock that it is no wonder that people often leave buying bar accessories to the last minute.

However, often when it comes to ordering bar equipment people realise, all too late, that it is not as easy a task as it first sounds and selecting what you need can be really difficult.

The best method for deciding what is going to be required is to divide the bar into sections. This way you can identify what bar accessories you need in each section and then you can generate a bigger list by placing the sections together.

Service Area

This is where you will serve customers, give them their drinks and take the money. This is an important area to keep clean and tidy as the bar is the face of any establishment. Think about the different methods of preventing spills such as drinks mats.

Glass Area

Choosing the right type of glasses can be tricky to get right. In general when buying bar glasses you need to think of the types of drinks which can be summarised as beer glasses, and wine glasses – you’ll need two sizes of each – and long and short glasses for shorts and cocktails.

You should consider the glass washer or dishwasher and work out the system for washing, drying and replacing the glasses as you may identify the need for other bar equipment like trays for carrying the glasses.

Drinks area

There are really three different drinks areas:

The beer pumps where bar equipment like drip trays and mats to soak up the beer are needed. As the pumps normally rest by the service area you can combine the mats on the bar.

Wine bottles, will require corkscrews to open and if your wine glasses are not marked measures will be required too.

Spirits and mixers – often this is where you need imagination as you can never envisage every cocktail or combination that people may order. Remember the ice bucket and measures and get a few cocktail accessories but don’t go overboard – nobody likes a forest in their glass.

Drinks mats are really important

Drinks mats are really important

Seating Area

This can often be overlooked but there is an equal need to prevent spills and mess on the tables so you should ensure that there are ample drinks mats provided.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, Bar equipment, equipping bar, new business | 1 Comment »

Catering Equipment – Tips for pubs, bars and hotels

May 13th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Catering is now an important aspect of nearly every business in the hospitality industry. No longer can pubs and bars just rely on the revenue from beers, wines and spirits; with smoking bans, global recessions and rising alcohol duties, more and more establishments are offering food to stay afloat.

But catering can be a daunting experience for those business owners that are unused to serving food. Catering is a totally different animal to the drinks business and there is much to think about from the health and hygiene certificates to sourcing the food.

Stainless steel is by far the best solution

Stainless steel is by far the best solution

One area especially, that can be extremely difficult is buying catering accessories. First, you have to establish the equipment you need and not fall into the trap of buying catering accessories that will just sit on a cupboard and not be used. You then have to find a good catering equipment supplier and choose from what can be often a daunting range of different types of catering gear.

Working out what equipment you need

You need to establish the type of food you are offering. For short order/grills. The basic equipment will be quite minimal. Obviously, plates and cutlery are going to be important as are condiment containers. But think of what will be needed in the kitchen: chopping boards, knives, pans and utensils – speak to your cook who will be able to work out everything they need for each menu item.

Choosing the equipment

Practicality is by far the most important aspect to catering equipment. Must equipment for business is larger and more durable than the sort of utensils and kitchen equipment you use at home. It also has to be easy to clean so look for stainless steel wherever possible and avoid any complicated gadgets and kitchen devices that are not only expensive and space consuming but often there are simpler and easier solutions to the problem.

Finding a catering equipment supplier

Fortunately, thanks to the internet finding a good catering equipment and accessory supplier shouldn’t be hard to find. Check a few different websites and establish where they are based and if they are contactable by telephone or email – often important if you need advice.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bar equipment, hotel and bar equipment, hotel equipment, restaurant bar | No Comments »

Behind the Bar – Essential Bar Accessories

May 6th, 2010

Richard N Williams

When setting up a new bar; whether it’s a swanky new town night spot, a back street pub or a restaurant or hotel bar, there can be a lot to think about.

Getting the drinks ordered, ensuring the décor is completed and that you have all the facilities and requirements need for a new business. Often, then, the things that really matter, such as the bar equipment and other bar accessories can get left to the last minute.

However, ordering bar accessories is not a job that should be rushed because if you get it wrong it can lead to all sorts of difficulties come opening night. So it is important you make the right decisions first time around, otherwise you could be frantically ordering new bar accessories at the last minute.

To be sure you don’t miss anything try breaking down the bar tasks in stages and think about all the bar equipment that will be needed in each stage:

Serving Drinks

As an example think about the process of serving drinks to customers; this can be broken down into three stages:

  • Pouring the drinks
  • Serving the customer
  • Taking the cash.

When pouring drinks you need to think of what bar equipment is used. Obviously the appropriate glass for the beverage is needed but then think, if it’s beer from a pump you will need drip trays and wine will need measures (unless the glasses are marked) as do spirits from optics.

When serving the customer think what is needed during this task. Drink mats for beer; ice may be required for spirits; so that’s the bucket, and tongs; while cocktails will need some garnish like umbrellas.

Bar Accessories like Drip Trays can get Forgotten

Bar Accessories like Drip Trays can get Forgotten

Then think of the next stage. The till is obvious but remember where the customer will be going and ensure you have enough mats on the tables, for example.

If you repeat this systematic approach for each conceivable task you should ensure you don’t forget some of the bar accessories that can halt any opening night in its tracks and make your new business even more difficult to get off the ground.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, Bar Ideas, equipping bar, hotel and bar equipment, new business | 1 Comment »

Running a Pub – Importance of the Right Bar Equipment and Accessories

April 22nd, 2010

By Richard N Williams

You don’t need me to tell you how difficult it is in the pub trade to make a living at the moment. What with the smoking ban, increase in alcohol duty and the recession that is keeping many people at home rather than spending a few hours of their evening in the local.

And many publicans, landlords and bar managers are having to get creative to ensure their establishment is not one of the dozen so pubs in Britain that is closing each and every week.

From quizzes, karaoke and other events, to most pubs now either serving food, or seriously thinking about it.

And reducing overheads has become a crucial concern too. Ensuring your are not overstocked, aren’t buying necessary stock and are making the most of offers and promotions are all now just as important a part of running any pub or bar as pulling pints and serving customers.

But one area of the pub trade that can help reduce costs and increase efficiency that often gets overlooked is bar accessories.

The right bar accessories

Many bars and pubs fill their shelves with completely unnecessary bar accessories. Don’t splash out on fancy bottle openers and corkscrews which will probably be fiddly to use and need replacing – just get the basics.

It’s also a good idea to remember how they are to be used; anything that requires regular cleaning, for instance, should be made of stainless steel. But while you shouldn’t be buying bar equipment you don’t need it is crucial you make sure you have all the bar accessories you do actually need.

The right location

Make sure your bar accessories are to hand. Bar staff can waste a lot of time walking one end of the bar to the other getting glasses, using bar equipment and getting to the till – this is time wasted that could be used to serve customers – make sure everything is to hand.

The right bar equipment supplier

There are three things to look out for when choosing someone to supply equipment for hotels, bars, pubs and restaurants: *

Cost – make sure you are not being over charged, the internet, as with most things is a great resource for shopping for bar accessories or equipment.

* Reliability – choose a supplier that will deliver when they say they will deliver. Waiting around for bar equipment to arrive can cost both time and money.

* Availability – If a bar equipment supplier isn’t picking up the phone or can’t be reached it’s no good to anyone. Internet providers are at least always available so find a good bar equipment supplier with a decent website.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bar Equipment Tips, equipping bar, hotel and bar equipment, hotel equipment | No Comments »

« Older Entries