If you’re looking for ways to update your pub without losing too much of its traditional appeal, read about the ways in which linen hire can help.
Regardless of where you are in the UK, one thing is for certain - you’ll never be too far away from a classic, British pub. Whether it’s to enjoy a quick pint, a hearty meal or simply to bask in the atmosphere, pubs are frequented by many on the daily - as they have been for thousands of years.
Of course, whilst many enjoy the ‘ye olde’ aesthetic and vibes of traditional pubs, there are still aspects that can be modernised in order to provide an experience that is in keeping with the times. For example, you may choose to provide a more elevated dining experience to attract more families, or perhaps provide aprons for wait staff to offer a cleaner and more consistent appearance that reflects the standard of service you provide.
Regardless of what you might want to update in your pub, one thing that can help you do this is professional linen hire. Read on as we discuss the various ways in which quality linens can help to update your pub.
How Can Linen & Napkin Hire Benefit Your Pub?
Protect Surfaces
Many pubs feature solid wood tables. These tables give a traditional feel, but also are much more attractive and of higher quality than some modern material alternatives. With that said, they can easily become damaged with stains, water marks and scratches, thus compromising their quality and appearance.
In order to protect these surfaces, then, tablecloths can be used. Whilst having tablecloths on all your tables may not fit in with the overall aesthetic of your pub, you can use them on tables in a specific area designated for lunch and dinner time dining.
This keeps your tables protected from food and drink spillages and marks from cutlery, so that they maintain their visual integrity when they are uncovered.
Modern Appeal
Using quality kitchen and table linens is a great way to boost the modern appeal of your pub, without compromising its traditional feel.
Providing diners with cotton napkins, wearing smart uniforms when serving customers and using proper kitchen cloths to wipe down the bar are all simple touches that can still be recognised by regulars and new guests alike as a representation of the quality service you provide.
All of these aspects suggest that you value and prioritise cleanliness, quality and attention to detail - all for the benefit of your customers, which in turn is a reflection on the drinks, food and service you provide. This appeal can in turn attract more customers to your pub and position you as a favoured venue in the local area.
Improved Efficiency
Linen hire also benefits the running of your pub, as there are multiple ways in which it can boost efficiency.
Firstly, it can streamline the cleaning process. By having designated cloths and towels that are clearly identifiable, staff members know exactly which to use for different purposes when cleaning - for example one cloth type for wiping surfaces, one for handling hot dishes and one for drying/polishing glasses.
This means cloths and towels aren’t used for cross purposes, thus ensuring maximum cleanliness and reducing the need to clean cloths as frequently between usage.
Another way efficiency can be improved through linen hire is the use of uniforms. By having bar staff/wait staff wearing the same uniform - whether that be a black polo shirt or waist aprons - they are clearly identifiable by customers, so they can be approached whenever a customer has a need.
Environmental Consideration
If you’re looking to operate your pub more sustainably, then utilising linen hire services is just one of the many ways in which you can do this.
Offering reusable serviettes, for example, over paper alternatives is one of the ways in which you can minimise the waste produced by your pub. You can even take this a step further by taking advantage of the commercial laundry services that linen hire companies, such as Stalbridge Linen, provide.
By using such services, you can rest assured that your linens will be cleaned using energy efficient practices and special commercial equipment that reduces water usage.
What Linens Do You Need and Why?
Napkins
Whilst some pubs only offer drinks and bar snacks, many others also offer meals. From fish and chips to bangers and mash to a Sunday roast, pub food is renowned for being hearty and filling.
To further elevate this dining experience that many already enjoy, providing fabric napkins with meals allows guests to protect their clothes from hot food spillages and wipe their hands and mouths clean after eating. This offers them the unique experience of feeling as though they’re dining in a restaurant, yet still with the comfort of being in a pub.
Tablecloths
As we’ve already discussed, tablecloths are essential for protecting the surfaces of your pub’s wooden tables. These can also enhance the dining experience for customers during food service hours, yet can easily be removed outside of these hours to ensure that traditional ‘pub-feel’ is maintained.
The great thing about hiring these is that there are various colours available, so you can choose to opt for a traditional white cloth if you like the clean aesthetic, or you can choose to opt for a different colour that is more in-keeping with the interior of your pub, such as red or black.
Aprons
From chefs to wait staff, aprons offer both practical and professional purposes. They offer protection against hot food and protect uniforms from stains and spills, whilst also making staff members clearly identifiable and offer a more professional, cohesive appearance.
There are various aprons to choose from. For example, chefs may prefer to wear bib aprons as these offer full body protection whilst their cooking, whereas wait staff may opt for waist aprons, as these allow for easier movement yet still offer adequate protection should they accidentally drop the food they’re carrying.
Kitchen Cloths & Towels
Having proper kitchen cloths and towels is essential for maintaining the highest hygiene standards. To ensure proper cleanliness, cloths should not be used for cross purposes. Instead, there should be designated cloths and towels for specific cleaning tasks; for example, the following items should be used for the following tasks:
This not only avoids cross contamination and ensures maximum cleanliness in the kitchen, bar area and on your tables, but can help to streamline the cleaning process, ensuring it’s understood by all staff members.
Whilst showing customers that you follow strict cleaning standards in your pub may seem like you’re achieving the bare minimum, it’s still highly appreciated and should never be overlooked!
Linen Cleaning & Hire Services by Stalbridge
If you’re ready to utilise professional linen hire services to update your pub, then look to us here at Stalbridge Linen Services.
With over 40 years of experience and offering efficient delivery across the UK, we’re well-positioned to offer your pub the quality service you require from linen hire services. Whether you’re after quality kitchen or table linen, we have extensive product ranges and offer flexible contracts tailored to your needs.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can meet your requirements.
