Bar consultancy for new and growing venues
I help restaurants, cultural venues and growing groups open a bar or get more from the one they have: the drinks range, wine and cocktail lists, suppliers, systems and the team behind the counter.
What bar consultancy covers
Drinks concept and range review
Shaping a drinks offer that fits the venue, the brand and its guests, or reviewing an existing range to see what sells and what is sitting on the shelf.
Wine and cocktail lists
Building wine and cocktail lists that suit the food, the price point and the people serving them.
Suppliers and purchasing
Supplier sourcing, supply chain and logistics, route to market and ex-cellar purchasing.
Bar systems
Choosing, upgrading or changing your POS and inventory systems. I manage the whole process, liaising directly with the provider.
Service model and guest journey
How guests order and how the team serves them, designed to drive dwell time and spend per head.
Bar team training
Drinks training for new openings, refresher and compliance training for existing teams.
Tastings and events
Wine dinners and wine tastings, in person and online.
Backstage at the Old Vic: café, restaurant and bar
- Sales
Doubled within 3 months
A new café, restaurant and bar inside the theatre’s £20m building extension, launched in 2025.
- Profit
Into surplus within 4 months
From an initial £10k a week loss, reporting directly to the board.
- Team
95% staff retention
From pre-opening through to six months, with 98%+ positive guest feedback.
Starting a bar project
Whether it is a bar inside a new opening or a drinks range that needs a fresh look, it starts with a conversation.
- The initial chat is free
- A written proposal based on our conversation
- Scope and fees to suit your timescale and budget
- Me on the project, not a team
Opening from scratch? See how I open a new venue, or menu consultancy for the food side.
Arrange a call