Designing The Best Hotel, Bar None

Joel Barker, Designer at Hunter Patel Creative Group, offers her expertise on getting the bar that’s right for you.

From straightforward functionality to entirely concept-driven, a hotel bar can define both the customers drawn to the venue as well as the overall look and feel.

Over the past two years, there’s been an increasing amount of input from brewers and suppliers when designing a hotel bar. Independent start-ups are becoming more popular, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the owners means they have a strong vision from the outset of what they want their venue to be.

During the initial design process, one of the most important factors to consider is budget. With a limited budget, we approach the design from a more operational point of view, and what gives the greatest impact on the longevity of the building. Firstly, we look at the primary elements of the bar itself, such as back fittings and the finish of the flooring. Once addressed, we then consider the non-essential elements that add a touch of luxury to the space. Striking the perfect balance between features customers will notice first, such as the paint finish and lighting, and the items that will enhance the overall feel of the building, ensures the highest overall quality and value.

If offered an unlimited budget, there’s the opportunity to develop a concept-driven design, and the building becomes a blank canvas to tackle entirely differently. Overall, the more money available the greater the space can be utilised. Rather than create a bar for the target audience, it’s possible to use the design to draw in the desired demographic and encourage spend, with features such as a grand drinks display cabinet or using backlighting to highlight prestige champagnes.

In prime locations and during peak times, popular venues can become overcrowded, so maximising all available space is vital to create an efficiently flowing, dynamic space. This can be done initially by minimising the space customers will not be using, such as the area behind the bar, and utilising furniture and fittings to maximum effect. Of course, a hotel bar in Central London will differ greatly from a quaint boutique hotel, so it’s essential to never lose sight of the primary purpose of the space. For a busy London hotspot, slender furniture and reduced table size will accommodate a larger volume of customers whilst maintaining its primary function. For a boutique hotel wishing to make a statement of superior quality and luxury, oversized furniture is one of the most effective ways to emphasise this. In the past we’ve built seating pods, designed to offer customers more seclusion and intimacy.

Arguably, the most convenient and cost-effective way to create a pleasant and multi-purpose social meeting space is by simply using malleable design elements such as lighting and music. These transitional elements allow you to subtly shift from an intimate daytime ambience to a buzzing evening atmosphere.

Ultimately, your chosen design should complement your building, space, brand and of course, your guests. If you take time to consider these factors, and work alongside an interiors professional, your bar will become a long-standing, much-loved addition to the area.