Running a bar is not easy by any means. While you won’t be dealing with a drunk customer on a daily basis, you will have to make several business decisions. In the United Kingdom, many bars are closing down. That’s primarily because customers have found alternatives for their alcohol fix. However, that does not mean that the industry is shrinking at a drastic rate. Bars and pubs are still frequented by people who wish to hang out with friends or just enjoy a good game of football.
Now, it doesn’t matter if you are running a bar or a pub, you will need to purchase adequate bar supplies. Stocking a bar is not easy. Apart from your assortment of glasses, you will need to purchase a lot of other bar supplies in order to make sure that the business runs smoothly.
If you are just starting a bar, there are many things that you will need. However, the first order of business is to create a checklist. A checklist will help you ensure that nothing is missing once you are done shopping. Since it’s a commercial business, you will want to minimize your costs. That is why it is recommended you buy your supplies from a wholesale supplier rather than a supermarket. Making prudent business decisions is important if you want to sustain profitability. Here are a few things that you must consider:
A Good Wholesale Supplier
Before we discuss essential bar supplies, it is important that you find a good supplier. Purchasing your supplies from a good wholesale dealer that offers items at a lower rate than the market is very important. Moreover, you need to find a supplier who stocks all types of bar supplies. If you buy from different suppliers, you will end up paying more. That’s because most wholesale suppliers offer bulk discounts, which you will not be able to avail.
Now, finding a good wholesale supplier is not easy. There are many bar suppliers and caterers throughout the United Kingdom. One of them is Pattersons. The company offers a host of different types of bar supplies, and can also procure any special supplies that you may require. Usually, bar owners want to work with suppliers they can rely upon. You may need a large order of supplies delivered within a short span of time. Knowing that your supplier can handle the orders and procure what you need is very important. With a company as big as this, you won’t have to worry. They offer bar supplies, kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies, clothing, housewares and a variety of everyday items. Hence, you can rest assured that the items will be delivered to you on time. The prices are also extremely competitive, and you can get an even lower rate if you place a bulk order.
What Do You Need?
Once you have found the right supplier, the next step is to decide what you need. Running a bar is different from a pub, though most people confuse the two. Bars usually offer a minimal menu, including light appetizers or wings. Alcohol is served in wide varieties, including cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer and vodka. On the other hand, pubs offer proper meals, including salads, appetizers, main courses and desserts.
So, if you are running a bar, you will need an assortment of different glasses. Small, medium and large sized glasses are important. You will also need numerous containers, some for storing liquids and others for making drinks, etc. Creating a list of what you need is very important.
Since bars don’t offer filling meals, you don’t have to worry about buying lots of plates. Apart from glasses, here are a few items you need to put on the list:
- Drainer trays
- Ashtrays and ashbins
- Dispensers for drinks
- Bottle carriers
- Bar mats
- Signage
- Spirit measures
- Spirit dispensers
Cellar Equipment
Cellar equipment includes barrel taps, spouts, plugs, filter papers and various other items. Usually, you will buy alcohol for the bar in bulk. If you are bringing in kegs, you will need to set up your cellar and organize it properly. That is why it is important to invest in good cellar equipment. Keg checkers, cask taps and dip sticks are just a few of the essential items that you need in the cellar.
Buying Appliances
You will also need a refrigerators, deep freezers and coolers in the bar. When you are searching for appliances, make sure you check for the Energy Star efficiency seal. The Energy Star seal shows that the appliance is energy- efficient. Compared to other appliances, Energy Star appliances use almost 50% less energy. This will reduce your operating expense as your utility bills will be minimized. Some of the most common appliances you will need include glycol systems, keg storage coolers, wine coolers and reach- in coolers.
Buying bar supplies is not easy. That is why most bar owners usually hire professional bar managers to create proper checklists and correspond with suppliers. Procurement managers are specifically hired to make sure that the stocks are replenished on time and that the inventory levels don’t fall below a certain threshold.
Important Tips
We have already mentioned the different types of glasses that you will need in a bar. Here are a few types of glasses you must buy:
- Champagne glasses
- Highball glasses
- Wine glasses
- Shot glasses
- Martini glasses
- Cognac glasses
Creating a brand is very important. That is why you may want to get your bar’s logo printed on the glass too. If you buy in bulk, several suppliers offer this option. However, you can also get the glasses branded at an additional price. Branding plays a very important role in the success of your bar.
Setting up a bar can be difficult. It can also be overwhelming at times, but if you plan accordingly and create checklists, it will not be as difficult. Make sure you break down the tasks and discuss carefully with your procurement manager before making purchasing your supplies.
