Business ideas and drinks come together at show
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Business ideas and drinks Beer company Innis & Gunn has
launched a pop-up bar in its home
come together at show city of Edinburgh in partnership
with local cocktail bar 56 North.
The 350-capacity bar is at 32
Business-building advice, cocktail experiences the Masters of Maraschino Potterrow, one of the hubs of
and the latest drinks products are being lined competition for Luxardo the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
up for September’s Boutique Bar Show in Maraschino, with a September Open until the end of August, it
London. 1 deadline for the London showcases some of Scotland’s
New features will include the Boutique heat. A second heat will be best drinks and food producers
Business Lounge, offering guidance for anyone held at Boutique Bar Show in including Williams Bros, Stewart
looking to open their own venue. It is hosted Glasgow on October 23. Entry Brewing, Caledonian Breweries,
by hospitality fit-out and project management is via www.barlifeuk.com. Thistly Cross Cider and Innis &
company WFC, with drinks from Cask Liquid The London show, at the Gunn plus whiskies and other
Marketing. Royal Horticultural Halls in boutique spirits.
Paul Tvaroh, owner of Lounge Bohemia in Westminster on September 18
Shoreditch, will create “an immersive and and 19, will feature products Bar group Mojo has created its
innovative cocktail experience” at the show, new to the UK, such as Mezan own app so that anyone in the
although details are under wraps. rums from Eaux de Vie, Cocchi Vermouth di world can play its Radio Mojo
Seminar speakers include Dan Priseman from Torino from Speciality Brands, The Wild Geese directly through their phones. It
blog BittersandTwisted.com, who will explore Irish whiskeys from Emporia Brands and features weekly playlists compiled
the classic Martinez, while drinks historians Monkey 47 gin from Spirit Cartel. by Mojo staff and guests from the
Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller will talk about Other exhibitors will include Dzana music scene as well as an option to
“cocktails that changed the world”. rum from Distillnation, Colombian rum La buy songs through a link to iTunes.
The seminar programme is being put Hechicera, American beer Samuel Adams from Available for iPhones, it will be
together by BarlifeUK which is also working Shepherd Neame, the US’s Fordham Brewery extended to other smartphones
with Brugal Rum on an inter-city bartender beers from Heathwick, The London No 1 Gin shortly.
competition. Teams will be challenged to make from González Byass and fruit purees from
a punch inspired by each of their cities. Pontier.
BarlifeUK is co-ordinating entries to Visit www.boutiquebarshow.com.
‘Classically modern’
whisky parties
Parties are being held at bars across
the UK this summer as part of an
“experiential” campaign to promote
the “classically modern” approach of
Scotch whisky Auchentoshan.
The events, run with leading
promoters, are part of the The Caprice Group’s London
Auchentoshan Presents…. programme, restaurant Bam-Bou has introduced
introduced in 2010, aimed at increasing a spicy cocktail list to tie in with a
brand awareness. “chilli festival” food menu running
The deVigne bar at the Mandeville Hotel in Running from July to October, until September. Bar manager
Marylebone, London, has been revamped as they combine a whisky tasting with Ladislav Piljar has created three
Reform Social and Grill restaurant and bar. With workshops linked to different partners. cocktails containing chilli, including
an emphasis on English products including gins, the After events at The Corinthian in a Bloody Maria made with chilli-
cocktail list features twisted classics that match the Glasgow and Zetter Townhouse infused blanco tequila and The
bar’s new classic look. Drinks include Rhubarb Rose, in London in July, it will go to Gower – a hot Martini made
made with rose tea, rhubarb liqueur, bitters and Brighton, Edinburgh and Common in with pickled garlic. The Carnival
champagne, and the Edwin Chadwick’s cup, mixing Manchester. The next event on August (pictured) is a mix of chillis with
Tanqueray Gin with cucumber, mint, elderflower and 26 at The Wardrobe in Leeds sees Sagatiba Pura cachaça, lime, basil
champagne. It is headed by bar manager Vladimir drinks consultancy Soulshakers run a and pink grapefruit juice.
Schmidt, formerly at nearby Samarqand. cocktail workshop.
The Barracuda Pub Group has
appointed Sarah Weir to the
Sky presents offer with Molson Coors newly created role of commercial
director, responsible for category
Sky has announced a price freeze for licensees Sky will also continue to offer a discount of management, overall procurement
until at least June 2013 and a new offer on Sky up to 30 per cent for food-let outlets plus a and marketing and food
Ultimate, its sports package for businesses. further discount of up to 30 per cent based on development across the 200-strong
It is offering 50 per cent off Sky Ultimate a venue’s location. It also provides discounts of pub company. She was previously
for new customers until September 30 for up to 33 per cent off Sky Ultimate as part of at PizzaExpress and Mitchells &
packages bought between July 9 and August 5. an offer with beer company Molson Coors. Butlers.
www.barmagazine.co.uk |5
wow factor
New “wave bar” design at Walkabout in
Watford, designed by Play Design Consultants
Searcys at
Blenheim Palace
Catering Design Group combined
stunning design with the existing heritage
setting for the latest Searcys champagne
bar which has opened in the Water
Terraces Café in Blenheim Palace in
Oxfordshire. The curved bar top in stone
Deep impact
has a cushioned buttoned frontage to
create a luxurious feel and reflect the
grandeur of the space and architecture,
while a high-stool seating area at one
end provides views of the terrace
fountains. Limestone-effect flooring
mirrors the shape and cut of the bar
From overall design concepts to stand-out features, Mark Ludmon counter and provides a contrasting finish
looks at how operators can create the “wow factor” in their venues to the existing plank floor.
W
An eye-catching black voile drum was
alkabout bars have been “bringing that wow factor back in a major positioned over the existing candle-style
a familiar landmark on way”, John says. “We’ve looked at enhancing chandeliers within the bar to create a
Britain’s high streets everything from bar design and customer distinctive bar area and continue the
since the mid-1990s, environment to music systems and customer opulent theme. “Taking best advantage
but its current operator Intertain decided service.” Enhancements have included of the overall environment and retaining
they needed a reboot. “As with everything new ‘wave design’ main bars, new dance existing elements of the room, such as
that becomes familiar, and due to a level floors, larger stages for live music, pop-up flooring, light and the fireplace, we were
of underinvestment in the estate, we lost restaurants, private booths and the creation able to create a luxurious, contemporary
a little of the ‘wow factor’,” says Intertain of separate “Beach Clubs” within the venues space which sits comfortably within
chief executive John Leslie.The chain is now with higher-end décor and furnishings. the Water Terrace hospitality area
undergoing a major investment programme “Refreshing the interiors has had a big and provides visitors with a sense of
that has seen eight venues refurbished, impact, and the refurbishment programme is occasion,” says Philip Howard, managing
delivering great returns on investment,” John director of Catering Design Group.
adds.
The “wow factor” is something that many
operators now look for from designers. many ‘wow factors’ in one place – you don’t
“The first time I heard the challenge to know where to look. If you have too much
create ‘the wow factor’ was probably only going on around you, it loses the impact
about eight years ago but it’s become that just one or two particular features
part of common language now,” says Phil would have. A clever designer will stick to
Waggett, executive director of leading just one or two features that people will go
hospitality contractor WFC. “With nearly away and talk about.”
every project now, someone at some point Creating the wow factor in hospitality
Clashbar asks what the wow factor is in each job.”
WFC has worked with designers on
interiors could mean just one design
element or doing something different from
Shaun Clarkson ID is well known for many stunning interiors such as restaurant the normal customer experience, points out
creating avant-garde and extravagant The Delaunay and the bars at the Prince
interiors in the hospitality sector. One of Wales Theatre in London. Examples
of its latest bar projects was Clashbar of the “wow factor” on other projects
at stylish youth hostel Clink78 in King’s include a giant jelly fish tank at ChaoBaby in
Cross, London. Design motifs include Birmingham’s Bullring, designed by Jonathon
graffiti art on painted brick walls, Morgan Design Associates, while WFC’s
alongside bespoke wallpaper carrying work on Brasserie Zédel, in the old Atlantic
quill marks as an ode to Charles Dickens. Bar site, benefited from the “natural wow
Warehouse lighting, bold colours, neon factor” of its restored Art Deco interiors.
lights, easy club chairs and chunky But Phil warns that you can have too much
benches add to the impact. of a good thing. “You shouldn’t have too Cucina Rustica by Glassdomain
www.barmagazine.co.uk |45
wow factor
interior designer Steven Separovich, head of
the BA course at KLC School of Design and
formerly at Conran & Partners. “Operators
are frequently searching for a USP that will
set them apart from their competitors,”
he says. “A ‘wow factor’ could therefore be
a single element such as the bar’s design
or a pendant light fitting, or something of
a more spatial nature or related to the
inherent character of the space, such as
a grand interior within a historic building.
I personally do not think that it is always
Princess of Butler’s Bell
necessary to create a ‘wow factor’ in a bar
interior. Sometimes it is just about creating
Wales JD Wetherspoon is challenging
expectations by investing in bespoke,
an atmosphere or a quirkiness.” A traditional pub in the celebrity enclave striking interiors at some of its newer
Lighting is a fantastic tool for creating of Primrose Hill, north London, has been pubs. In converting the former Après bar
a bar interior with maximum appeal, says transformed into an upmarket pub and in Stafford to the Butler’s Bell, it took
Peter Wardleworth, head of design at dining room with stunning interiors by inspiration from a former ironmongers
Glassdomain which specialises in impactful Space Design Studios. Covering three on the site. The £1million refurbishment,
glass design features. “Not only can it bring floors, the project at the Princess of completed by principal contractor
luminosity to a space, but it can also alter Wales included a new bar, an open Sanderson, included several “wow”
the perspective of a room. Dependent kitchen and a new restaurant area that features such as the 11-metre-long bar
upon the choice of material and finish can be used for private hire. Space made from Corian with an Amberlite
selected, you really can achieve high surface Design Studios were asked to create resin front.
reflection or absorption of light to suit the a design that was in keeping with a Sanderson’s managing director Ian
environment. The relationship between traditional pub vibe but with an original Sanderson said: “A stylish interior is
natural light, artificial light and the surface modern twist. what can set one pub or bar apart from
of the material will naturally create zones With a central island bar, the ground its competitors and can often be why
of differing light and shade and provide the floor features plenty of striking details consumers choose to drink and socialise
space with varied contrasts and textures.” and fresh decorative finishes, from in a particular venue. Historically it was
Peter adds that interesting shapes can the luxuriant wall coverings and paint bars that were more forward-thinking
create a wow factor. “Simply curving the bar finishes to the bespoke lighting and and inventive with their interior designs,
edge instead of conforming to the standard quirky artwork. Stand-out design whereas pubs kept to a traditional style.
linear line will automatically create a focal features include the two-metre-wide However, over recent years we have
point,” he explains. “Not only will this chandelier above the bar, covered in a seen the two merging as bars mimic the
provide a softer aesthetic with its rounded mosaic of vibrant fabrics. ‘traditional pub-style’ to create a rustic
features, but it can also make the bar a effect, and pubs have become much
statement piece in its own right, should more ‘pub chic’ as they extend their
the rest of the venue follow a uniform and a warm welcoming feel drawing people into offering with different foods and drinks
non-curvaceous style.” Glassdomain carried the bar.” and follow the latest trends to create an
out the design and specification of the bar Flooring can play a big part in setting inviting atmosphere.”
at restaurant Cucina Rustica in central off the rest of a venue’s space and create
Birmingham, providing an exclusive branded impact, points out Paul Barratt, commercial
mirror to frame the bar with the venue’s sales director at Karndean Designflooring. Operators are constantly looking to
logo. “Creating a stylish and massively He says that luxury vinyl flooring, which create unique spaces but within carefully
relevant focal point to the centre of the bar, Karndean specialises in, is proving popular managed budgets, points out Jay Rushton.
the branded mirror presents high-profile for hospitality interiors as “it offers real operations manager at Dawnvale, a leading
luxury branding in an innovative and cunning breadth of choice when it comes to finishes, specialist in hospitality fit-out. “Operators
way. The back-lit glass bar fronts also create tones and textures, and the flexibility of the and owners need the crucial balance of
tiles, planks and decorative strips makes it design, budget and operational perfection
possible for almost any flooring design to be to create the perfect combination.” He
brought to life in almost any area”. says Dawnvale’s bespoke facilities and
Karndean has partnered with magnetised manufacturing capabilities are increasingly
flooring technology specialist IOBAC to in demand to achieve this. “With
offer its range of contemporary designs clients looking to incorporate the wow
as magnetised vinyl tiles. As a system factor, more unusual finishes are being
that works by magnetic field only, it is a incorporated from our latest metal veneer
fast and sustainable way to install a new range – which can be applied to almost
floor or replace an existing one. “With any shaped substrate while providing a real
advanced technologies in the manufacture metal finish in anything from copper and
of luxury vinyl tiles, the design capacity of zinc – through to aged patina steel and
new flooring really is limitless,” Paul says. brass.”
“Specifying intricate borders, corporate Original furniture at Birmingham’s new
colours and bespoke laying patterns Hotel La Tour contributes to the wow
is easier than ever before and can be factor of its interiors, including the stylish
incorporated into an interior scheme and Alvar Bar. The in-house design team at
Morgan Furniture bar stools at Hotel La Tour
designs to meet any budget.” Morgan Furniture, led by design director
46| www.barmagazine.co.uk
wow factor
a strong design message, so it’s important
Designs from James Bullen
that it plays a convincing part in influencing
the overall design theme, conveying the
required look and feel of the operation.
Bar stools can happily contribute to a
sumptuous, luxurious style as easily as a
young, modern interior.”
The latest collections from CrestJMT
Leather reflect interior designers’ ever-
widening colour palette for upholstery, from
Celebrity Eclipse neutral base colours and classic finishes to
the use of accent colours such as bright
A bar that is literally cool as ice has been blues, purples and reds. “Pubs, clubs and
created on board Celebrity Cruises’ restaurants have endeavoured to take
2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse ship, which customers’ minds off the doom and gloom
sails from Southampton. Designed by the of the economy by teaming neutral colours
company’s in-house new-build team, the with explosions of colours such as red,
bar top is cooled down by a compressor scarlet and orange,” says CrestJMT Leather
placed in the bar pantry. Freon pipes are managing director Tony Clayton, “and we
placed under the surface to make the see this trend continuing in the future. At
surface frozen, and the iced top is filled the moment it is all about citrus colours of
with gycol, an organic compound widely orange, yellow and lime.”
used as automotive antifreeze, which Stunning new designs suitable for bar
keeps the surface frozen. It takes about interiors are being launched at 100% Design
two-and-a-half hours to get the surface in London in September by textile designer
frozen depending on humidity. James Bullen. He has won awards for his
The system is delivered by Sea King, pierced, slashed, buttoned and folded fabrics
which specialises in functional catering while he has used floral patterns fused
systems for cruise liners, and is simple with metallic trompe l’oeil images to create
to defrost and clean every night. “With unique canvas and Perspex wall art. A range
a wide variety of Martinis on offer, and a of Perspex products are being launched at
uniqueness that seems to draw people 100% Design including Perspex cube lights
in, the Celebrity Eclipse Ice Martini Bar with printed panels.
is easily our most popular bar on the Works of art can provide a focal point
ship,” says Scott Steenrod, associate with a “wow factor”, with many brands and
vice president for food and beverage venues turning to Michael Murray Art to
operations. “When guests walk into create bespoke pieces. “Bar owners should
the bar, they immediately gravitate to consider investing in bespoke artwork
the frozen bar top and are consistently as they make great talking points, are
surprised by how cold the surface is able completely original therefore making a bar
to keep cocktails.” original, and are reasonably priced, providing
that much sought-after wow factor which
is paramount for success in a highly
Katerina Zachariades, created 11 original
collections with distinctive style for the
competitive hospitality industry,” Michael
says. Examples include a large, striking aerial
New Inn
hotel. Individual products included the art piece at cocktail bar Ivy in Glasgow’s A traditional “boozer” in Harborne,
stunning ultra-high-back Opera 169 chair West End which was sponsored by Birmingham, was transformed into
which creates eye-catching seating groups Pampero rum, while at another Glasgow bar, a “classy” pub by hospitality design
in the hotel lobby. Based on Morgan’s Den in Bearsden, Michael Murray provided specialist Spencer Swinden. Part of pub
existing Opera 168AU, it keeps the original a piece of art depicting a bear’s drinking den operator Bitters ‘n’ Twisted Venues, it has
show wood base and flared arm detail but to complement the interior design. remained sympathetic to the building’s
with a back extended in height to 1460mm A new generation of fireplaces and patio history and character but with quirky
with a vertical button detail. In the Alvar heaters can create stunning centrepieces for details and unusual twists, explains
Bar, Morgan’s Diva bar stools enhance the venues’ indoor or outdoor spaces. Fireplace Spencer Swinden director Melony
luxurious interior with their tactile velvet manufacturer CVO Fire has worked on Spencer. “For instance, a mix of vintage-
and leather upholstery. “The bar is always top-end bars, restaurants and hotels such inspired hunting scenes and heritage
the focal point and often the main design as Lutyens and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel plaids with vibrant colours created a
statement of the space,” Katerina says. in London’s West End to Marco Pierre modern twist, whilst wallpaper printed
“Choosing well designed bar stools can White’s restaurant at the Fairmont hotel with mallard ducks spans across the
add to the interior scheme and attract in Abu Dhabi. “Bar owners are looking for walls and ceilings to give the illusion
customers to spend more time at the bar.” stylish yet affordable ways to provide that they are actually in flight above you,” she
Bar stools are often a starting point for elusive ‘wow factor’, and that’s where fires explains. “The New Inn now has a real
customers, making them a vital piece of and fireplaces can play their part,” says CVO ‘wow factor’ and is a real talking point
furniture, notes Vaughann Turnbull, national Fire managing director Andrew Munro. “A for locals and visitors alike. Business
sales manager of hospitality furniture stunning fire provides a focal feature in a has increased and the venue is gaining
supplier GO IN (UK). “When placed at bar, hotel or restaurant, as proven with a reputation for its unique interior and
the bar, it’s a very visible element, carrying many of the companies we work with, refreshing design approach.”
48| www.barmagazine.co.uk
wow factor
Za Za Bazaar in Bristol
Technology
New technology means that bars and
restaurants can create a wow factor with
their menus, using interactive iPad and
Android tablets and smartphones linked
to a venue’s epos system. Already a hit in
Italkero heater from CVO Fire Michael Murray Art at Den in Glasgow
the US, Aptito’s all-in-one digital solution
(pictured) has been introduced into the
making a space more stylish and, of course, give it a unique touch that’s needed in UK, with several venues due to start
warmer when needed.” It also supplies today’s highly competitive market to attract using it in August. The digital menus can
Italkero designer patio heaters. new custom and also to retain them,” says feature images of drinks and food, with
The “wow factor” could be down to a founder Luke Andrews. “Guardian will opportunities for supporting promotions
detail that reflects a venue’s level of service create a buzz with your customer that’s and loyalty programmes. “It enhances the
for its customers. An increasing number needed to make their night and your venue customer’s dining experience with easy-
of venues are installing Guardian Drinks memorable.” to-use menus and direct ordering,” says
Holders in their toilets which allow their A bar’s design is integral to its offering, director Sue Palmer.
customers to hygienically leave their drinks setting the tone for the whole customer Bleep UK has partnered with
within sight to cut the risk of them being experience, shaping the atmosphere, Conceptic Touch UK to provide
spiked or cleared away. “They allow your and reflecting the quality of its service, an interactive touch-screen menu
venue to stand out from the crowd and points out Dan Einzig, founder of design application called eMenu. Using a tablet
agency Mystery that has worked with such as an iPad or a networked LCD
several operators. “Generally speaking, all touch screen located on the table,
bars provide something very similar to customers can see pictures of dishes and
consumers – a fun, comfortable place to have their orders automatically sent to
access quality food and drink.Venues need the till. It is directly linked and integrated
something that makes them stand out in the with Bleep’s epos systems.
marketplace, and a strong design can often Bars, pubs and clubs can also tap into
be a good way to do this as it can instantly contactless payment technology through
set one venue apart from the competition. a new low-cost epos system from
If the design is truly outstanding, it can be Consolis Payments. Advanced mobile
an establishment’s main talking point and and contactless payment systems have
Parcel Yard be one of the key driving forces behind
customer generation.”
been considered too costly before but
Consolis Payments’ new direct-to-bank
Industrial-style furniture from Andy With many larger operators now payment solution links an IP payment
Thornton has contributed to the striking mimicking the look and feel of small terminal to an outlet’s epos till system or
new interior of Fuller’s 10,000 sq ft pub, independents, Dan believes it is becoming a stand-alone counter-top cash register.
the Parcel Yard at King’s Cross, London. increasingly hard for bars to stand out “Contactless will enable bars and
Network Rail provided many reclaimed in a crowded marketplace. “Good design clubs to cut transaction times, increase
materials such as panelling, flooring and plays a vital role in creating distinctive revenue, reduce costs, and improve
doors, and interior designers Arc Design elements that people remember,” he says, customer satisfaction through fewer
turned to Andy Thornton for vintage citing the pod toilets at Sketch in London, queues and a more efficient service,”
factory-style furniture to complement the large-scale urban street art of Za Za says Tim Allen, managing director of
the building’s features. Bazaar in Bristol and the bespoke mile-long Consolis Payments.
Mostly tapping into Andy Thornton’s Chesterfield sofas at Shoreditch House
Urban Vintage collection, the furniture in London. But he stresses that operators
includes two large refectory tables with need to trust their designers to see a is creating something that truly surprises
iron frames and reclaimed pine tops with concept through to completion. At Za Za consumers and gets them talking. This
matching benches. Other pieces include Bazaar, Mystery’s team was given complete sensory experience can be created through
smaller tables with adjustable-height licence to develop its vision. “In the words style, scale, lighting, sounds, shapes and
factory cog mechanisms and bar stools of many of its customers, the effect was aromas. It centres on creating an emotive
with wooden seats and back rests on ‘wow’ – a visually stunning, innovative and reaction from the customers, with the aim
yellow-painted steel frames that add a evocative space that compels people to that it will literally leave customers saying
dash of colour. talk about it. The ‘wow factor’ in design ‘wow’.”
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