How to Design a Very Small Restaurant & Pub

A small restaurant and pub can be a spot for a romantic dinner or a raucous, late-night party. Designing your space to maximize profits while keeping your customers comfortable is essential. Keeping the space safe by avoiding overcrowding is also an important consideration. A pub needn't be a dark, smoke-filled room with peanut shells on the floor. Use these ideas to design a very small restaurant and pub, and then customize it to match your theme.

Things You'll Need

• Bar
• Mirrors
• Tables
• Banquette
• Artwork
• Ceiling fans

Instructions

1. Build a long wooden bar along one wall. Space tall stools along it for customers. Install matching wood floors. Hang a large mirror behind the bar. Create a space for a television with doors that can be closed when the television is not in use.

2. 

   Consider an open kitchen design. This frees more space because there is no wall or swinging door to constrict the back of the pub. Patrons enjoy watching their food being prepared.

3. 

   Use small tables that can be pushed together for larger groups. Keep the tabletops clear of clutter by hanging candle sconces above each one and not putting condiments on the table unless food is served. Or use tall pub tables and chairs.

4. 

   Install a banquette in the rear of the bar for more intimate seating. A banquette can accommodate a large number of people.

5. 

   Make the room seem larger with light paint above wainscoting or a chair rail. Hang mirrors opposite each other to reflect light and give the illusion of larger rooms.

6. Mount colorful artwork or photographs on the walls with simple frames. Avoid ornate furnishings, as they may seem overwhelming in a small space. Rotate the art every six months.

7. Build a tall counter along the front window with stools for patrons who want only a drink or bar food.

8. Create a prep area at the end of the bar for wait staff to store napkins, flatware and condiments. Build shelves into the space and install a small sink.

9. 

   Hang at least two ceiling fans in addition to the restaurant's ventilation system. Small spaces where food is served tend toward stagnant air.

10. Make sure there's room for patrons or wait staff to pass each other in aisle areas. Don't squeeze so many tables into the space that it feels cramped and patrons are uncomfortable.

Resources

• Restaurant News Magazine
• Video about marketing your restaurant
• Restaurant design basics with links to other restaurant design articles