Why Engaging a Bar Consultant is Essential (Not Just Relying on Your Builder)
Bar consultant Sydney designing a functional hospitality bar
When opening a new bar or hospitality venue, one of the biggest mistakes owners make is trusting their builder to design the bar. While builders are experts in construction, they aren’t trained in hospitality operations, compliance, or the flow of a busy service. This is where a bar consultant makes all the difference.
As a bar consultant in Sydney, I’ve seen countless venues lose money and time because the bar was designed without expert input. By the time they realise what’s missing sinks, plumbing, ice wells, correct fridge placement it’s often too late and costs thousands to fix.
Builders vs. Bar Consultants: What’s the Difference?
Builders know how to construct. But bar consultants understand how a bar functions. Without proper operational design, even the most beautiful bar will fail. Here are just a few essentials that often get overlooked when builders lead the design:
Plumbing for ice machines and glasswashers – without this, your bar simply can’t operate.
Compliance sinks – every bar needs a separate handwashing sink, a food prep sink, and a glasswashing sink to meet NSW compliance.
Ice wells and speed rails – crucial for quick, efficient service.
Under-bar storage and glass racks – maximising space so bartenders aren’t constantly running back and forth.
Correct fridge placement – ensuring stock rotation and service speed.
To a builder, these may look like extras. To an experienced bar consultant, they’re non-negotiables.
Why Hiring a Bar Consultant Saves Money
Hiring a bar design consultant might feel like an extra cost, but in reality, it prevents costly mistakes:
Avoiding expensive redesigns when compliance isn’t met.
Getting the right equipment from the start (no wasted spend on the wrong fridge, ice machine, or glasswasher).
Designing a layout that maximises speed, staff comfort, and guest experience.
Future-proofing your bar so it can grow with your business.
A Real-World Example
I recently visited a venue where the builder’s design left out:
A glasswasher,
Multiple sinks required for compliance, and
Proper plumbing for the upstairs service area.
The owners wanted to move forward, but the reality was: without those essentials, the bar simply wouldn’t work. As a consultant, my job isn’t to “just take the job” it’s to be honest, protect your investment, and ensure you have a compliant, functional bar that can succeed long term.
Final Thoughts
If you’re opening a venue, don’t leave your bar design solely in the hands of your builder. Builders know construction. Bar consultants know compliance, operations, and guest experience. Engaging a consultant early ensures fewer headaches, fewer costs, and a bar that works for your team and your customers.
If you’re considering opening a bar in Sydney (or anywhere in Australia) and want expert advice, feel free to get in touch with me — I’d love to help make sure your bar is designed to succeed.
