1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

PRACTICAL BAR MANAGEMENT

Straight line is a thing to be avoided, as the room is no doubt already full of horizontal effects. One must concentrate then on a deviation, have a counter line in direct contrast to all its surround ings, as an example, the ideal design for the long bar is a front surface of gentle curves, fashioned to resemble a snake. Apart from looking attractive, this type of design has added advantages, one being that it enables more people to gather along it, and another that it gives an intimate feeling without being too familiar—in other words, if a patron wishes to dissociate from another, instead of leaving the establishment entirely, all he or she need do is to move quietly around one of the curves. A similar idea can be offered for the smaller type of bar ; if designed in the horse-shoe fashion, it gives gentility ofaccess to the counter, in that it will minimize congestion and can be approached at numerous angles. Most bartenders favour the horse-shoe or semi-circular bar, for it has many advantages over the straight counter-line type, mainly because there is invariably more working floor space behind,thereby making for easier and speedier service. During busy periods, too, an assistant can work in with the bartender without so much fear of collisions and accidents. In considering the construction of the bar, it will avoid a certain amount of confusion if the various suggestions are split into two categories. (I) The counter-top, counter-front, and the background fittings which come into full view of the patrons. (II) The unseen structure of the bar, behind and below the counter, designed for the working convenience of the bartender. Counter-top and Counter-front Taking the first group, and dealing with each factor in sequence, we therefore commence with the most important part of the bar, which is in reality a sort of no-man's-land,the dividing space between the customer and the bartender, named for want of a better term, the"Counter-top What memorable stories could be told under such a heading 1 Probably the utmost international and personal secrets of the world of to-day, and yester-years, have been whispered quietly or poured out over its polished surface! One can remember the

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