Lesson 1

The Development of Bars

From the Tabernae to the Gastro pub

Lesson 1: The Pub and Bar

Lesson Overview

1.1 Introduction1.2 Brief history of bars and alcoholic drinks 1.3 Development of bars 1.4 Modern bar design, layout and location1.5 Ownership types – pubs and bars1.6 Legal aspects affecting beverage businesses1.7 The modern pub experience

Conclusion References

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

On completion of this lesson the learner will be expected to be able to;

Explain the origin of the pub/bar and its alcoholic beverages, from the ancient times to the 20th century

Explain the development and identify the types, functions and traditions of modern bars

Describe the modern innovative practices which bar owners are adopting to encourage business.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.1 Introduction

The Pub and Bar – social gathering places, primary focal point of most towns and cities

All sizes, shapes and services Opening times can vary in certain countries These establishments have existed for centuries offering

customers, travellers and tourists access to the food, drinks, music and the company of the local people

Some countries have a high pub and bar concentration (very social people)

Pub’s own particular atmosphere and personality (quite, reserved, little livelier, home from home)

The company constantly changes The term ‘local’ - indicates a customer’s favourite bar

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.2 A brief history of bars and alcoholic drinks

Alcohol in the ancient times: Neolithic period, Code of Hummurabi – oldest recorded hospitality laws, The Egyptians, Chinese drinking traditions in ancient times, Greece – from mead to wine, The Romans, tabernae (wine taverns), The British tavern (alehouse) emerges in 43 AD .

Drinking in the middle ages: The monks influence, middle age pubs Jerusalem Pub (UK) - Brazen Head (Ireland) – White Horse Tavern (USA), distillation - the wonder of the middle ages, public houses and licenses (1552 Act & requirements).

Early modern period: 16th Century (word ‘bar’ in common use), spirit consumption mainly for medicinal purposes.

17th Century, the rise of Champagne and distilled spirits in bars: Dom Perignon (Champagne), Franciscus Sylvius (Gin), Tea and Coffee drinking preserve of rich only, 1st distillery established in US.

The 18th century, the Victorian Era, class distinction and the saloon bar: availability of cheap spirits, coaching inns established, word ‘cocktail’ in use, saloon room (higher prices, entertainment, music hall).

The 19th Century, industrialization and ice: ice becomes available, Jerry Thomas ’Bon Vivants’ 1st cocktail book published, Snugs (private area) introduced in pubs.

Modern period: Early 20th century, prohibition in USA (bars go underground, bootlegging, speak easy bars), Late 20th century (tied houses, brand driven drinks, removal of snugs & saloons, importance of food) ,the rise of large car parks, super pubs and supermarkets (cheap alcohol), 21st century (gastro pubs, premium spirits, speciality beers, freshly made cocktails)

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.3 Development of bars

Public bar: large service area, modern importance of dining and entertainment in pubs this encourages some establishments to maintain distinct rooms or areas.

Bar counter: move away from the table, casks kept in taproom, Isambard Kingdom Brunel (British engineer) - circular island bar.

Pub signs: King Richard II (England) in 1393 requires landlords to erect signs to make alehouses easily visible to passing inspectors, borough ale tasters. Pub names derived from illustrations on signs, earliest signs (brewing paraphernalia, religious symbols or heraldry).

Bar Types: cocktail, dispense, function, wine, restaurant, public, café, pool, beach, brew pub, music, sports or dance bars. Bars categorized by patrons who frequent them: gay, biker or student bars.

Cocktail Bar. Pub Signs. Snug area in the bar.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.4 Modern bar design, layout and location Pub traditions and practices

Design (holistic): aesthetic appeal, customers expectation – a total experience, individual spaces for creating business goals and great environments. ‘The requirements of good bar design are highly specific, functionality is as important as form’( Roberts, 2008).

Layout (ergonomics): Good layout in F & B preparation and service areas and its relationship to overall productivity. Ergonomic study of (a) all hospitality staff involved (b) provision of data for efficient and effective design of the bar. Ultimate task – to develop the most comfortable conditions for customers and staff with regards to:

‘Lighting, climate, noise, physical workload (kitchens and bust bars), facilitating psycho sensorial functions in reading instruments displays, handling of equipment and controls made easier, making better use of spontaneous and stereotypes responses’ (Murphy, -2008) Location (considerations): type of clientele to attract, population size in relation to plans, flexibility

of the pub, local competition, local and town planning, visibility and positioning (prominence), foot traffic, proximity of local facilities, condition of the pub.

Pub Traditions and Practices The Happy Hour: entered into civilian use in 1960s, differs each country, reduced priced drinks & free

food, illegal in some countries. The Lock in: age old tradition, bar owner lets drinkers stay in the pub after the legal

closing time (private party scenario), illegal in some countries, rare now due to extended licensing hours in most countries.

Social behaviour in bars: centres of social significance and cultural reproduction, a nations culture merges, and where the questions of identity and identification continually matter (Wilson, 2005). Cavan's (1966) study of American bar behaviour, ownership and general duties are assumed by patrons, specific language deemed appropriate.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.5 Ownership types – pubs and bars

Tied house: ‘Establishment that has an association, financial or otherwise, with a liquor manufacturer or its agent that is likely to lead to its products being favoured ’ (Trevor, 2012). Illegal in US, popular in UK. Some breweries appoint ‘salaried managers’ to run their bars. Some bar owners finance pub purchases with brewery soft loans and are required to their beer in return.

Tenancy house: most established and traditional ways of running a pub. pub is owned by brewery and the publican rents the pub. Short term agreement (1-3 years) or year to year (referred to as ‘rolling’ or evergreen’ agreement. Exact terms differ from pub chain to pub chain. Tenant tied or partially tied to buying certain beers/products. Tenancy is valued also on Fix & Fit, stock etc (valuation). Pro’s – discounts on products, experience of previous landlord, Con’s – popularity of some products tenant is tied to.

Free House (freehold/lock up): Outright private ownership, ability to purchase supplies from any company, bigger margins obtained sometimes. Freehold property offers good security for loans.

Franchise house (leasehold): Publican has right to occupy property for a fixed term of years. Two kinds of lease – (a) Sales or assignment of lease: lessee committed to pay rent throughout term unless they can sell the interest by assignment to another purchaser. (b) Grant of new lease – ‘without premium’ publican only required to purchase fix & fit, stock, glassware etc, some clause might contain barring sale or assignment of lease within first two years. Goodwill can be sold. Tenant is obliged to comply with terms of lease (i.e. tie – free of tie, part tie or full tie, repairing obligation, rent review, service charges, assignment clauses, insurance premiums, decoration – internal & external.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.6 Legal aspects affecting beverage businesses

Bars are governed and regulated by a wide variety of legal obligations.

Most countries bar owners must have a license or authorisation from a licensing authority (local council).

In UK, most of Europe, USA – statutory requirement for anyone selling alcohol to obtain a qualification with accreditation from the local state agency.

Laws on selling and buying alcohol are clear, violation can result in arrest, prosecution and fines.

Duty of every bar owner to make every staff member aware of the main aspects of legal aspects affecting their business.

Government agencies normally provide guides which help bar businesses to understand their obligations (i.e. in the UK http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/alcohol , in USA legal aspects change state to state).

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

1.7 The modern pub experience

The challenge to bars: improve the spend per customer, creating special nights, price sensitivity, innovative practices.

Engagement and involvement: mix your own drinks and cocktails, cook your own food, themed evenings.

Game nights: video games, retro games (ping pong, foosball). Technology: IBar intelligent systems – drink detection, finger touch systems for music

and photos. Exotic and molecular cocktails: Callooh Callay (East London, England serves a Rum

Punch in a gramophone, Eden Freeman of Taylors Bar and Restaurant, New York ‘Flight of Fancies molecular cocktails).

Speakeasy venues: interest in nostalgia, unusual environment, classic old school drinks. Themed music events: have it your way (customers bring own vinyl's), themed music

evenings. New glass measures, portion sizes. Price reduction ideas: drinks prices reduced or interested depending on their popularity

(stock exchange model). Ladies nights: discounted cocktails, excellent food and wines.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

Conclusion

Tradition of going to the pub or bar can be traced way back to ancient times.

The pub is often the only place neighbours, friends and family get to

meet in many towns and villages around the world.

Pubs are constantly evolving with market demands and changing consumer tastes.

Sheer camaraderie and companionship which pubs and bars offer forms an integral part of a nation’s cultural core.

Ray Oldenburg (American sociologist) - importance within modern

societies of the third place, a location that is not work or home (i.e. pubs, bars), Oldenburg believes they are major contributors to the maintenance of social capital and of healthy community life.

Lesson 1: The Development of Bars

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