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Every restaurant owner comes to the same crossroads – should I have stacking chairs or tub chairs for my restaurant?

It’s a tricky decision, as both stacking chairs and tub chairs have their advantages – that’s why we’ve compiled a few points comparing the two.

Versatility

First of all let’s talk about versatility.

Stacking chairs are known for their versatility. They are lightweight, so they’re easy to move, which is great for when you’re using your space for different events. Stacking chairs are also really easy to store as they stack on top of one another, so they can be tucked away into a corner at a moment’s notice.

A tub chair, however doesn’t offer the same amount of versatility, as they cannot be stacked and are heavier to move. However, tub chairs are sturdier, and could offer more durability as dining chairs.

So both stacking chairs, and tub chairs have their benefits, however the stacking chair is the more versatile of the two.

Cost

The cost of the chairs in your restaurant is no small thing and you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for money – however, the longevity of chairs may cut costs in the long term. Stacking chairs are the cheaper option when it comes to dining chairs, which is a great cost-cutter. While tub chairs are on the more expensive side, the cost of these tub chairs could be made up by how much longer they last.

So some thought really needs to be put into whether upfront costs should affect your decision-making.

Space

Space is a key issue in any restaurant.

If you have long tables, which seat many guests, or a small dining area, then stacking chairs could be your perfect solution. They are small and can easily fit next to each other.

Tub chairs are a lot larger, however, they are perfect for smaller tables of two to four seats. Further still, tub chairs are great around coffee tables or near a fireplace, creating a relaxing seating area for your customers.

Comfort

You always want your guests to feel comfortable in your restaurant – there’s nothing worse than a chair breaking or a complaint from a customer about how uncomfortable their seat was. The dining experience in your restaurant can be almost as important as the food! Have a look at this article on Instagrammable restaurants if you’re not convinced!

Stacking chairs are simplistic but they are also a safe option – you’ll know your guests won’t complain of discomfort, however tub chairs really take the biscuit when it comes to comfort. You can really sit back and relax in a tub chair. Although, again, they are limited by their size.

Aesthetic

It could be argued that how the chairs look in your restaurant is the most important part of which type of chairs you choose. There are many styles available for both stacking and tub chairs.

Whatever the style of your restaurant, there’ll be a stacking chair for you. Stacking dining chairs can be upholstered and embellished, or they can be simplistic and modern. The choice is yours! From metal to wooden stacking chairs there really isn’t a style you can’t get.

If you’d like the more luxurious option, tub chairs come in a range of different styles. Leather tub chairs are becoming extremely popular, as they offer a sleek and luxurious aesthetic. Patterned tub chairs are another option, with the fabric also giving the chairs a cosier feel.   

So which chair should you pick?

In effect, if you decide to go with either stacking chairs or tub chairs, you’ve already made a great choice!

The real question you need to ask yourself is what kind of space is your restaurant? Is it a flexible space for many events? Or is it a more traditional seating environment? Then, of course, the most important question is how you want your restaurant to look.

With over 50 years’ experience, we’re the experts in all things commercial furniture. Whatever the look of your restaurant, whether you’d like to buy a stacking chair, or a tub chair, we’re on hand to help you find the right product at the right price. Our friendly customer service team are on hand to answer your queries, so get in touch or give us a call on 0116 2864 911.

Looking to find out how to decorate a banquet table? Banqueting furniture is designed to be an easy-to-move blank canvas that can be decorated for any kind of event from weddings and parties to corporate awards ceremonies. We’ve looked at some top tips for decorating banquet tables so you'll know how to decorate a banquet table for your next big event.

Wedding banquet table decor

How you decorate a banquet table for a wedding will be heavily influenced by the kind of style the happy couple desires. You should also consider the atmosphere of the venue; for example a reception meal in a castle hall is likely to be quite different to a reception located in a field or barn.

There are other elements that also need to be thought of, for example will you be using round banquet tables or rectangular? The number of guests may also play a part in both layout and how far the banquet table decorating budget will go. A recent survey from Hitched found that the average number of evening guests people had at their weddings was 106!

Once you have a theme to work from, you can start planning the elements and layout of the table decoration. If you are opting for rectangular tables, try working with the middle section by incorporating a runner and adding decor like flowers and candles at regular intervals.

Round banquet tables are wonderful for socialising, and adding centrepieces is a great way to decorate – just remember not to build them up too high so that guests can no longer see one another! If you have multiple items of decor you want to incorporate, try placing them in threes for a rounded style.

Corporate event banquet table decor

The first thing to do is establish the function of the event – will it be a strictly business event or a glamourous corporate awards evening? This should inform the kind of styling you will want to use for the banquet tables. You should also find out if there will be any kind of colour theme or if the branding colours and styles are to be tied into the decoration.

If the event is being held at night and lights are to be dimmed, lighting up the table is a must. Artificial lighting is ideal as it provides more of a glamourous glow than candles which provides a more romantic feel. An evening event also provides the perfect opportunity to go bold with colour choices – using dark or jewel toned table runners or placemats is a budget friendly way to do this. For this kind of event you can also go more opulent with table decor items like unique lights, balloons and feathers.

For more formal corporate events, you may want to keep things more classic, for example by using lighter linens and more minimal table decoration in whites and creams, set off with beautiful glassware. For more ideas, visit our guide to corporate events.

Affordable banquet furniture suppliers

Trent Furniture supplies a wide range of banquet furniture including round, rectangular and foldable banquet tables along with trolleys to easily move them around. We also stock banquet chairs in a wide range of styles with a huge collection of upholstery patterns and colours to choose from. Buy banquet furniture online today, or contact our staff to discuss your requirements further, we'd be happy to hear from you!

In this article we tell you how to clean a pub using our handy pub cleaning checklist.

Running a pub means juggling a wide range of tasks – orders, accounting, keeping employees happy and so much more! Cleaning is just one of many things to think of, so establishing good routines to delegate to staff is one of the best ways to keep on top of things to keep your pub clean, tidy and attracting new patrons.

Establish a pub cleaning checklist

Developing a regular routine for cleaning your pub will allow you and your employees to keep on top of things, preventing a build-up of cleaning duties and keeping the environment as clean as possible for patrons and staff. Creating multiple checklists for different frequencies or times of day is important as duties will differ in each list i.e. if glasses are all washed upon closing, they will not need to be washed again before opening.

Example lists for pub cleaning could include:

Before opening

• Brush and sweep any litter or debris from the entrance and doormats
• Hoover, sweep and mop floors
• Straighten pub furniture
• Clean the bar area and restock glassware, accessories, snacks and garnishes (ensuring they are clean as you go)
• Clean and refill and condiment and hot drink stations
• Dust all visible surfaces, furniture and lighting
• Clean the bathroom surfaces, sinks, taps, mirrors and doorknobs
• Refill all bathroom dispensers i.e. soap and toilet roll
• Disinfect toilet bowls

After closing

• Clean any surfaces, bottles and drinks dispensers
• Remove and clean garnish holders
• Empty and clean ice bins
• Clean all glassware
• Remove dirty place mats and drinks mats
• Turn off and clean any hot drinks machines
• Clean and sanitise all surfaces
• Hoover and mop the floors

During service

• Wipe the bar and tables down regularly
• Clean up any spills immediately
• Sweep up fallen food from floors
• Wash glasses as needed
• Check toilets regularly and restock and clean as needed

Cleaning a pub for serving food

Pubs serving food has grown rapidly over recent years, in fact, a report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that pub and bar enterprises now employ more people serving food than people working behind the bar. With the rise in food service there also comes a rise in the amount of cleaning needed. You may also wish to create a separate list for kitchen cleaning if you do prepare food.

Use the right pub cleaning supplies

The cleaning products required to clean your pub may be different to the standard household cleaners you can buy on the high street in order to comply with any health and safety regulations and do the job well. Pubs need very regular cleaning and purchasing from suppliers who specialise in cleaning for establishments like pubs will often have the added benefit of being able to buy in bulk, reducing the costs.

It’s also important to ensure you are using the right cleaning products to keep your pub furniture looking its best, with the enamels and woods treated according to the supplier’s instructions.

Invest in the best pub tables and chairs

Furniture is likely to be cleaned daily and experience a lot of footfall over time at a busy pub. For that reason, investing in great pieces is a must to keep your furniture looking clean, tidy and appealing to patrons. Trent Furniture offers a range of affordable and durable pub chairs, pub furniture and bar furniture in a wide selection of styles and finishes. These are all available for you to buy online today, or your can contact our friendly staff for further information and assistance.

In this article we provide advice for landlords on creating the perfect pub garden which customers will love, and will keep your pub busy throughout the summer season.

This long winter of grey skies, gales and floods will eventually come to an end. Spring and summer will arrive, and with the warmer weather, thoughts will turn to the outdoors. There are few better ways to while away a warm afternoon or evening than in a pub garden or terrace, and more and more pubs are making better use of their outdoor spaces. What was once a patch of scrubby grass with a couple of wooden benches and a pile of old beer barrels stacked up in the corner has in many cases become a proper garden: comfortable, stylish and attractive. The best pub gardens will boost a pub’s revenue by attracting drinkers, groups and families – and ensuring that they stay for longer and spend more.

So what are the secrets of a good pub garden? Whether you are creating one from scratch, or improving an existing area, your space needs to look loved and cared for. Like any garden, a pub garden will benefit from good planting and pruning and maintenance. If you or your staff lack the time and expertise, you might want to hire in a gardening or landscaping company to do it for you. A good gardener will advise on what to plant, and where.

How green is your pub garden?

Paving or decking will smarten up a garden; be sure to keep these areas clean by power-washing or scrubbing them periodically. Grassy areas should be kept tidy and lawns cut regularly. Planters or tubs with greenery and flowering plants will bring colour and freshness. Small trees and shrubs, either planted out in the garden or in containers, will bring shade and greenery. These will need to be pruned regularly. Evergreen species such as olives give year-round greenery, while acers add spectacular colour in autumn. Pub-themed plants such as vines and hops will add colour and interest; hops grow vertically, so they will need a trellis or twine to grow up.

Herbal remedies - create unique drinks with herbs grown in your pub garden

Gin is an increasingly popular drink, with many new botanical varieties coming on to the market, and they go well with herb garnishes: these add colour, flavour and fragrance to a drink. So you could devote a corner of your garden, or some containers, to a “gin garden”: herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary and thyme are easy to grow in a sunny spot. Pimm’s, too, is improved with the addition of a sprig of mint or borage, both of which are easy to grow.

Create pub garden "zones"

A large pub garden can be improved through “zoning”, creating different areas for drinking, eating, or for different customer types, with different kinds of furniture: low sofas for the more relaxed areas, poseur chairs and tables for younger, cooler customers. Pergolas can help to delineate the different zones, while also adding visual interest. Vines or climbing plants can be grown on them to create dappled shade.  Small trees or shrubs in containers can also help to mark out the different zones. Decorative bunting adds a festive atmosphere.

A bar that’s not far - the benefits of an extra pub garden bar

One of the drawbacks of a pub garden is that customers need to traipse back into the pub for each round of drinks – which then have to be carried back out to the table on a perilous journey. Many pubs are now installing an extra bar in the garden area; it won’t have quite the range of drinks as the indoor bar, but it will have the basics: draught beers and cider, wines, spirits and mixers. An outdoor bar could also offer jugs of beer and Pimm’s on tap, or special summer cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Remember that white wine can go warm quite quickly, so bottles of white wine and fizz should come with a wine cooler and ice. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the craze for prosecco seems to be cooling; drinkers are turning to alternatives such as French crémant.

Food, too, can be prepared and served outside: pizza ovens and barbecues are popular. Pagers or mobile phones can be used to alert customers when their food is ready. Outside caterers can be brought in to provide food; if you have space, a van serving “street food” will bring in customers and create a buzz. In the evening, firepits bring warmth and light, creating a festive atmosphere.

Lights that are right for the night-time - how to light your pub garden

On the subject of light: this is vitally important. Outdoor areas need to be well lit, not least for safety and security reasons - but not flooded with light. Softness is the key. Strings of bulbs or fairy lights will create a magical atmosphere, while low-level lights will ensure that walkways and steps are well lit.

Beyond the bench - pub garden furniture ideas

And then there is furniture. The basic wooden pub bench is a reliable stalwart of the pub garden, being stable and weatherproof, but today’s outdoor furniture is smarter and more comfortable, as well as durable and tough. Trent Furniture’s Plaza chairs and tables are made from synthetic rattan (the tables have a hardened glass top) and are stackable.

A contemporary café-style garden will be improved with a chair such as Trent Furniture’s Monaco wood-effect stacking chair. The British public have become less tolerant of discomfort: they want to be just as comfortable in a pub as they are at home, so they will want solid, sturdy, comfortable chairs, with cushions or seat pads, or outdoor sofas with low tables. Parasols and umbrellas will provide shelter from sun and rain, as well as adding colour to an outdoor area.

Let us play - the benefits of a quality children's play area

There was a time when a children’s play area in a pub would consist of an old plastic slide plonked in an area of bark chips or on the grass. Now it’s not unusual for pubs to spend tens of thousands of pounds on a bespoke themed children’s play area: pubs on the coast often come equipped with a wooden “ship” for children to play in and on. Specialist companies will design and install a play area, though the outlay can be considerable and it can take a long time to recoup the investment. But it’s worthwhile creating an area that engages children beyond just sliding and swinging: a hut, say, or a jungle gym. Outdoor table-tennis tables or table football will also keep kids amused. Giant “connect 4” games, giant chess and croquet are likewise fun and engaging, and might even get the adults playing. Bear in mind that minor accidents happen occasionally, so keep a fully equipped first aid kit on the premises, and ensure that at least one member of staff has first aid training.

Urban gardens

Gardens are also found in unlikely locations; one such is the 10th floor Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room (pictured below), a cocktail bar and restaurant in central London where the rooms are festooned with greenery, and herbs growing in the cocktail bar can be plucked and added to drinks.

Finally, a pub garden or terrace doesn’t have to be just for the warmer months. Outdoor areas are often used throughout the year, with heaters and blankets offering protection from the cold. Investing time and money in your pub garden could yield not just a warm weather bonus, but year-round dividends.

Trent Furniture can provide your pub garden with top quality furniture for a superb price. View our range of outdoor pub furniture for pub gardens and contact us today.