1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

PLANNING THE BAR

With floor coverings, contrast is essential. Should the walls be ofa patterned design,then the floor must be as plain as possible, too many patterns in one room are a restless distraction to the human eye. Reflecting on this, it is advisable to have fairly plain walls, with patterned or splashed floor coverings. The latter are more practical for bar use, as it is less noticeable should the covering become stained,or burnt with carelessly dropped cigarette ends. Carpets are, of course, very agreeable for walking on, they are soft and give a feeling of warmth in the winter. It is well to remember that it is not always necessary to buy expensive carpets for a Cocktail Bar, the cheaper variety will do providing a good thick underfelt is backing it up, and the felt can always remain the base for a new carpet. Probably, though, carpets are not desired, they may not fit in with the design of the room ; as an example, in keeping with"Ye Olde English Bar", one can see rubber decorative tiles laid to give a paving stone effect. Other Cocktail Bars give preference to floor coverings of Cork Parquet, or Thermo Plastic or Asphalt Tiles, they are all excellent for the task and can be obtained and fashioned in numerous attractive patterns. Furnishings Whether it be chairs or settees—plain or patterned tapestry or leathercloth fabric—it is again a matter of toning with the d^cor and floor coverings. Whatever the choice, be sure it is of good design and fadeless colours. Built-in settees all along the walls are very popular with a view to utilizing all the available space, although this does not often work out in actual practice. People are not always too happy about sitting close beside a stranger, also there are invariably the types who seem to occupy as much room as possible on this method of seating. Special attention must be paid to making the seating as comfort able as possible, it adds much to the enjoyment of drinking, there is nothing worse than sitting on a hard, straight-backed chair for such a pleasant pastirhe. The favourite type of chair for Cocktail Bars is the low-backed tub-shaped one, with attractive proportions and fully sprung seat; it gives a feeling ofcontentment

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