Whether you’re on the verge of becoming a bar-owner for the first time, or you’ve been a pub landlord for years, one thing will always be the same – you’d like more customers.
So, think about who your regulars are, who your occasional visitors are, and who you’re missing. There could be a big group of people who won’t visit your bar or pub for a particular reason – for example, is your establishment dog-friendly?There are an estimated nine million dogs in the UK, which means there are also millions of dog owners – many of whom like to socialise over a drink. While the thought of letting pooches into your bar might fill you with dread, it’s worth remembering that dog-friendly bars and pubs only allow well-behaved pets inside.
Making your bar dog-friendly starts with the furniture. Many hotels have already upgraded their furniture to more robust, modern materials, and now bars and pubs are following suit.
Bar Tables
If you allow dogs in your bar, you’ll want to make sure you have furniture which is up to scratch. While it’s the customer’s responsibility to ensure the dog is well behaved, the occasional chew or claw-dig into your furniture is almost inevitable, and so you’ll need good quality furniture to avoid permanent damage.
The type of tables you choose will depend on the style and aesthetic of your bar. Some bars like a higgledy-piggledy mish-mash of table styles, lengths, heights and colours. Others prefer a consistent look across the entire establishment.
Taller tables give bigger dogs more room to sit comfortably with their owners, as they can rest underneath the table rather than being sprawled out across the floor. Meanwhile, smaller and shorter tables are ideal for visitors with smaller dogs, as it means they can be closer to them when having a drink.
For dog-friendly tables, consider those with cast iron legs; they’re sturdy and resistant to even the least well-behaved dogs’ attention. A tall square bar table with your choice of eco-friendly top colour would be perfect.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shorter bar and pub tables. There’s a wide range of fantastic designs, from the well-made extended scroll pedestal table in dark oak and veneer (complete with cast iron legs), to a lighter stylish designs like the Adana rectangular table with chrome-plated steel legs making it hardwearing and versatile.
Bar Chairs and Stools
If you’re going for that classic pub feel of wooden bar stools, make sure the wood is durable and strong – so it can withstand any dogs digging their claws in. Options like this tall dark oak stool are ideal; it comes fully assembled in your choice of fabrics, and the solid hardwood frame would be hard to mark.
Sticking with the metallic look, a stool with a chrome steel frame – such as the Tall Dakota – is simple and stylish:
If you need room to seat larger groups, you’ll want to look into pub and bar benches. These are perfect for dog owners as – with your permission – their little pooch and climb up and sit next to them. After all, many dogs feel left out if they’re missing the table conversation!
The Killarney Settle bench with its upholstered seat and solid hardwood construction is the perfect dog-friendly bar bench; it looks classic and stylish, and yet is easy to clean and highly durable:
Outdoor Furniture
Even if you don’t want to let dogs inside your bar, you could always just allow them in the beer garden. A lot of bars these days are more than accommodating to dog-owners – even bringing the pooch a bowl of water.
Outdoor bar furniture can be just as stylish and sophisticated, without breaking the bank. Aluminium tables are perfect when there are dogs around; they’re durable, high-quality, waterproof and easy to clean. To go with it, pick out a range of the stacking chairs as they come in a wide variety of colours and can complement tables like this perfectly.
Dog Treats
Treating all of your diners with a custom service can follow through to pampered pets too. You will be surprised by the range of dog biscuit and treat recipes available including seasonal offerings to help your establishment provide a seasonal offering for humans and canines alike.
One which we know pampered pooches enjoy are the canine candy canes:
Source: http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/free-dog-treat-recipes.html
