Here at Acme, we have been delivering refrigeration systems since 1965 and throughout the many years we have built upon our knowledge and expertise to deliver our clients the very best of the best. From retail chillers to commercial kitchen refrigeration, our portfolio of projects and services has grown and grown but did you know we also complete full bar designs?

We supply an extensive range of contemporary equipment for bars including LED bottle coolers, upright wine fridges, ice machines, and even dishwashers; the list goes on! When it comes to designing a bar, there are many factors to consider which can make the process rather stressful and frustrating, it is no easy task. However, by hiring Acme as your fitting provider, our expert bar design team will be able to deliver you a top-quality bar complete with the latest equipment and features to meet your business needs.

Although your front-of-house needs to be functional, it also has to look the best to entice new customers and keep others coming back for more. Not only do we provide practical bar equipment, but we also supply some of the most attractive cabinets on the market, to keep your décor looking modern and stylish.

Getting the foundations of your bar is key, to ensure your business runs smoothly even through the busiest of times. If you get the planning stages wrong, the final outcome will not live up to your expectations, which is why we complete a turnkey solution from initial surveys and design to installation and maintenance, to ensure the best possible finish. Find below our top tips to create a functional and stylish bar, whether you’re starting a new venture or are part of a large restaurant chain, these tips are something you will want to consider.

1. Get your layout right!

Planning your bar layout is one of the most important factors, as you need to make the most of the space you have got. You will want your staff and bartenders to feel comfortable within the space, whilst giving them enough room to move around in. Drink stations and storage also come under the initial layout; do you want your liquors to be on show? Are they easily accessible for the bartenders to reach? Is there a sink close by to dump extra liquid? These are all pointers that you do not want to miss!

You will also want to measure furniture such as bar stools and cabinets, to ensure everything fits into place.

2. Match the ambience and vibe to your brand

When customers enter your restaurant or bar, the first thing they will notice is the look and feel of your front-of-house, so it is important to make a good impression. You will want your branding and décor to be consistent throughout the entire space, including the bar, restaurant, and waiting area. Consider features such as lighting, and colours, do you want elegance or sophistication, casual or formal? A cohesive bar design will help you stand out from the crowd but will also let your customers know exactly who you are.

3. Choosing a countertop material

A bar countertop can end up being the centrepiece of your design, as this is where your customers will be served. You will want your countertop to be practical but also stylish, to ensure it matches your theme whilst being durable and long-lasting. We recommend researching different bar top materials, to find the most appropriate one for you and your business. The most popular countertop types are wood, marble, and brass, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

4. The placement of bar equipment

Although having liquor and wines on display in beautifully lit-up coolers can add an aesthetic appeal, some other pieces of bar equipment should be hidden away. For example, more noisy and unsightly equipment such as ice machines and dishwashers should be placed under the front of your bar, where customers are unlikely to see them. Whereas, glassware storage and LED drink coolers should be placed at the back, where they can add to the overall look and feel of the bar.

All in all, how you design your bar is up to you, you can let your creative juices run wild – we are here to make it come to life! With our highly trained, professional design team, we will turn your vision into a fully working, functional, contemporary bar, that will provide you with years of service. If you’re looking to get a head start on your next bar project, contact us today and we will get the ball rolling!