The web site where bar people and great suppliers do the business.
Hello! The All Things Bar team are open for business and can't wait to show you around.
All Things Bar Ltd is primarily a leisure consultancy specialising in bars and pubs. Our web site contains a handy trade directory, as well as info on other things that interest us.
We are most proud of the Directory - because it contains some great companies that service our industry. You can access all of these suppliers via the weblinks on each of their listings.
Let us know what you think!
Step into the Knowledge Cellar There's no beer in our cellar - but it is full of trade tips that you won't find elsewhere.
Everything from why free pint glasses are costing you money - to how to spot which staff are stealing your profits. Oh - mind your head!
We've risk assessed the Knowledge Cellar, but as our insurance company tells us - you can't be too careful.... Take a look nowMore details...
Recession? Is it all hot air - or are we staring down the barrel (no pun intended!)of a recession?
Most bar operators that we speak to believe that we are - but they are approaching the issue very differently.
Some are just hoping for the best, while watching their costs; while others are already drawing up plans to see how low they can reduce their break even point.
The smart ones (we think) are realistic about the effect of a slow down in the economy, but are looking to capitalise on the negative steps that are being taken by their competitors.
For example, two neighbouring bars might both have to reduce staff hours, but the smarter one will not do this at the risk of reducing service. After all, they have built up their business on a reputation for good service, and just because service isn't obvious on a balance sheet, doesn't mean that it should be dismissed during difficult trading.
In times of recession we all know that people go out less - BUT when they do go out it's even more important to them that they have a great time.
If your bar is a bit hit and miss in terms of service your customers won't risk spending a valuable night there - they will, however, pay attention to the experiences of friends and family and go where they are confident that they will feel they will be best looked after.
When people are short on cash they are still more inclined to seek out great experiences rather than savings - so DON'T be tempted into discounting. Try to rise above the pack mentality to discount, and offer added value instead.
For example, you could offer up to 25% off lunchtime food. But before you do, don't forget to ask yourself if you will double the number you sell - because a 25% price reduction of a 65%GP product needs a 50% increase just to break even on profit.
A better alternative is to give free bread and oil to customers while they wait for their order. This will only cost about 10p per head - and thus only require an increase of 3% in items sold to break even - and will very quickly lead to increased profits as more customers are attracted to your generosity.
So - in summary - prepare for a recession by getting your business in order, and by looking to take a smarter approach than your competitor!
Look - a shiny new bar! Photos with a difference We love to put photos of your bar on our website - but be warned, we don't do pictures of empty bars that make your venue look like a show home.
Bars are meant to have people in them - and that is the only way we are prepared to display any bar on our website.
So - drop us an e mail and show us how sexy your bar is. Take a look now
Why do sales reps arrive when you're busy? Surely they know that you wont have time to talk at 1pm?
Answers on a postcard to click here and let us know!
Coming Soon
We've been flattered by early feedback from bar & industry bods and have taken on board the frequent suggestion that we should have a drinks review page.
So, coming soon is the page where we personally review spirits that are new - or in the news.
If you have a new product then let us know all about it - and send us some!
or...
If you have tasted a product that is new to you - and you want to tell everyone else - then let us know!
