1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

PLANNING THE BAR

the correct one for entering taverns of long ago. There is a point in favour, they do give easy access, and easier departure is some times a necessity. Whilst it may not be possible to implement these suggestions it must be remembered that they are the ideal and not the imperative. It would be wrong to suppose that a bar lacking any of the.virtues of positioning mentioned would automatically be a failure. Having then decided on the location of the bar, either in a room of its own, or some other position equally favourable— one is then confronted with a series ofriddles. Firstly, there is the question of ventilation,then of heating,succeeded by the blending together of decor, lighting, furnishings and the structure of the bar itself. The ultimate answer to all these problems must be one of perfect harmony, every factor toning in the most pleasing and attractive fashion, thereby endeavouring to create that mysterious and all-important thing, commonly known as "Atmosphere ". Whence a bar derives this has always been a debatable subject. Does it come from the decor and furnishings? Or from the shape and size of the room ? Maybe it arises from the bartender's personality, or could it be brought in by the people who patronize the establishment ? Wherever it comesfrom there is no mistaking this unseen occupant called Atmosphere, one feels it directly on stepping through the door, it is either there engulfing us with friendliness—or very sadly absent, leaving in its void a feeling of estrangement and the impression that one is trespassing. Present-day designers of Cocktail Bars have done some wonder ful and attractive work throughout these Isles; they have accomplished every type of design,from Tudor or Old Spanish, to the ultra-modern,smart,sophisticated bar—their work is indeed a credit to their skill and ingenuity. Where sometimes Catering Managements have erred is in not giving these artists a free hand in the decor of the room itself. There are cases of beautiful- looking bars being entirely out of keeping and clashing horridly with the existing surroundings. If the room is of the old world with half-timbered walls and lattice windows, the bar, although modern in every detail, should blend gracefully \yith the centuries- old atmosphere. Supposing,though,in a more modern establish ment, the wish is for something unique, probably a"Tyrolean