Thinking of opening a bar

[Simon N]

Hi all, I am seriously thinking up of opening a bar and would like to ask everyone whether you think London is the only place to open one or are there too many bars here already?

Should I concentrate on opening one in my local town?

I am basically after the best profit vs cost option.

What do you think?

[dans]

From experience if you are trying to do this for the first time and want the best way of getting the most form your first venture, then wait a little more and the go for taking the lease on an existing premises where they have gone bust. then talk to www.restaurantsolutions.com who will take care of all the back office, stock and staffing issues for you.

then pour something for yourself and enjoy.

[alan_driver]

One of my mates uncle owns a bar in london, all of his family are in leeds. They said to him, why dont you sell up and set up in leeds. the answer 'because i can easily make twice as much in London'

[Simon N]

Cheers folks.

Dans, do you currently own a bar in London or have previously owned one in London?

With regards to your advice, where would one look to find such businesses who have failed. Furthermore, surely their failure would mean that taking over such a business would be more risky?

As for your link aren't these guys based outside the UK? Have you used them before yourself?

Cheers

[dans]

Simon

I do not currently have a bar, have had two in the past though - both sold to PLC's which is the best way to realise a few quid....

My suggestion is keep your eye open, there alot of inappropriately sited restaurants which fold, but they have all the kit in them and so you could save your self most of the 1/4 million set up costs a decent bar will set you back, by taking on the lease and equipment finance. get a good theme and a good PR and you'll have a succesful bar.

restaurant solutions are based in Carnaby street, they run stock systems for about 80% of the big bars in central london, they also have offices in Manchester and Glasgow. I know the people who run it well, so if you need a contact email me and I'll send you it by reply.

Cheers
Dan

[Robertuk]

I think that website is not the correct one for
Restaurant Solutions.
I got the following details via a website
(using google: )

Restaurant Solutions
9 Carnaby Street
2nd Floor
W1F 2YJ, London
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

I think the secret to success is a number of things.

But too many owners overlook a major asset.

*STAFF*

I think too many bars /pubs in London treat their staff badly.

Endless supply of students / visitors from abroad mean they think if a staff member leaves they can easily get another.
But by paying a little bit more, sharing tips and giving staff discounts on certain items esp food
can reap results (in my opinion).

Your staff (and their friends )may promote their workplace if they enjoy working there.

Its easy to make mistakes , but remember encouragement
is the best tool.

Just my thoughts .

[Steviebee]

Regarding location: London can generate the biggest potential for profit but there is a trade off against costs, sustainability and the ability to find something that hasn't been done. The media crowd tend to be the biggest bar-hounds but Clerkenwell is saturated with bars plus the media industry is starting to migrate towards the East End. Southwark and Kings Cross are both on the up but will be a while before they are really viable, Islington is getting very shabby.

I assume you are looking at a "Trendy" image. If so, a number of out of town options might be woth a look. The whole of the Eastern Region is undergoing an uplift in image - particularly Essex. Both Chelmsford and Colchester are fast becoming very "trendy" places.

See where the government is spending the biggest bucks!

Either way, let us all know when and where and good luck.

[dans]

Indeed it is the wrong url - try www.restaurantsolutions.co.uk ...

I'd say if you actually want to make money especially when there is a recession biting then open your bar where the money is and cater to their tastes. that means sell bollinger to posh people in Chelsea. the rents are not too bad the clients have more money than sense, and as long as there are plenty of attractive women there you'll be rammed nightly.