1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

PRACTICAL BAR MANAGEMENT

to the patron, and is convenient for the service of the bar staff, because it allows easy access during the stress of business. Never overcrowd the room with tables and chairs. Too much furniture is worse than not having enough; patrons would much rather stand than take part in a hurdle race to arrive at the bar, therefore be especially sure that the chairs and tables are well spaced, so that one can walk with ease between them. Remarking on tables brings up a few points about them. They should not be too low, the most favourable height is for the surface top to be about six inches above the chair seats, this will enable the customer to reach for a drink with ease,and will prevent slopping. Tables must be solid on their legs so that there is no fear of a careless knock crashing them over, but they must not be large, ungainly structures—small, neat and secure should be the target to aim for. Glass tops for the tables in Cocktail Bars belong to the past, the vogue to-day is to have them of the same coloured fabric as the bar-counter top, it is more serviceable and reduces breakages. Glasses are always a brittle subject, but never more fragile than when clashing against a more solid version of their own"kith-and-kin Choosing the Bar Stools Bar stools must be solid and well balanced, they are always precarious at the best of times; be sure that they are made with foot-rests, nothing can be more uncomfortable or tiring than to sit perched on a high stool with dangling legs. Even if there is a foot-rail running along the bottom of the bar counter, it is invariably much lower than most people's feet when seated correctly on a bar stool. Added comfort is procured for the patron on the stool by installing the make which is fitted with a low backrest. It is well worth while, because it impresses the customer at once that the Management has the welfare of the clientele very much at heart. A final note on coverings for the stool seats; they can either be of the same fabric as the other upholstery, or something in direct contrast. To complete the room before going into the details of the structure of the bar itself, there appears to be a most important

i6