When we’re creating a bar or restaurant design, we of course want it to look stylish and function seamlessly - these are a given in any out-of-this-world Design Tonic space!
But today’s patrons need more than a great-looking place to eat or drink. They’re craving experiences that resonate with them personally - inviting, welcoming spaces that they can connect with.
The last thing you want is for your gorgeous new bar or restaurant design to unintentionally exclude someone - and that’s where inclusive design comes in.
At its heart, inclusive design makes sure that no guest feels out of place or uncomfortable, going beyond legal requirements to anticipate the unspoken needs of people of all kinds - those with different physical abilities, sensory sensitivities and even staff members, whose happiness on the job can be transformative for a punter’s experience with you.
Our team are well versed in crafting bar and restaurant designs that aren’t just stunning to look at and practical to operate - they’re also deeply thoughtful, catering for diverse needs at every touchpoint from the flow of movement to the effect of lights, sights and sounds.
Love to learn how we approach our always-inclusive bar or restaurant designs? Read on…
Accessible bar design par excellence - Design Tonic X North Bar
Breaking down barriers
The crucial truth of inclusive design is that you can’t treat customers as one single group or specific type of person when, in reality, they’ll cover genders, ethnicities and sensory comfort levels of all kinds.
It’s a cliché, we know, but designing for real inclusivity is no tick box exercise - it’s about removing the barriers that might make people feel uncomfortable, distracted or downright disagreeable.
And it’s not just good ethics, it’s good business.
In this world where the quality of your customers’ experiences can inform potential future guests online in seconds, it pays to cater to all needs.
So where do you start?
The real question might be where do you end, because opportunities to enhance inclusivity in your bar or restaurant design exist at every touchpoint, from the arrival experience to the second a guest leaves you.
Clear signage and branding go alongside intuitive layouts and considered wayfinding to help make sure no one ever feels lost or unsure.
Acoustic comfort is carefully managed, and harsh lighting is a no-no, replaced by ambient illumination zoned by each space’s function.
And comfort is king.
From plush seating to perfect table heights, mixed-use and/or moveable furniture to tiny details, like coat and bag hooks, every element can contribute to the overall accessibility, usability and comfort of your space.
Let’s dive a little deeper into how we can affect the senses positively, beginning with physical touch and movement…
A beautiful brewery with space for all - Design Tonic X Amity Brew Co
Spaces designed for mobility and movement
From the approach to your space, making your bar or restaurant as visibly accessible as you can gives everyone a warm welcome.
The flow of your space begins outside, with wide, unobstructed pathways leading to a barrier-free entrance, and with perfectly-fitted ramps wherever needed - but of course, there’s no need to sacrifice style!
Smart spacing is important - make sure that decor and planters are considerately placed, and that there’s plentiful room for manoeuvre through the entry space and into any waiting areas.
Once inside, the flow of movement through your space should feel seamless.
For wheelchair users, parents with strollers or guests with limited mobility, narrow corridors and cramped layouts are super-frustrating.
A little strategic planning can easily rid you of these pain points, with uncluttered pathways, thoughtfully spaced tables and sightlines kept clear and obvious, so customers move through your space intuitively.
Seating is another cornerstone of inclusive bar and restaurant design, and you need to make sure to offer a mix of options to help everyone find their comfort zone.
What should you provide?
Think about the diversity of your guests and cater for their requirements as needed - from bar spaces to solo diners to booths for gatherings of family and friends; supportive seating for older customers to moveable furniture for the disabled (it’s hard to slide into a booth seat from a wheelchair!).
And of course, don’t forget your toilets!
Wider doorways, grab bars, touch-free fixtures and clear signage are essentials - going the extra mile here is about dignity more than it is about compliance.
Individually adjustable lighting (as well as spacious design and moveable furniture) was part of our inclusive restaurant design concept for Design Tonic X Meet Fresh
Sensory solutions for neurodiverse needs
While physical accessibility is non-negotiable in a hospitality space, designing for neurological diversity is a newer consideration - and one where creativity meets empathy.
For many neurodivergent individuals - those with autism, ADHD or sensory processing disorders - traditional restaurant and bar environments can be overwhelming, the bright lights, loud noise and bold visuals making even the most stunning of spaces feel uninviting; even frightening.
How do we work to make them feel safe and comfortable?
Start with your lighting design.
Here, look to strike a delicate balance, favouring layered lighting with soft accents and bringing stronger illumination in only where needed, for example, to light pathways or task areas.
In our inclusive restaurant design for dessert maestros Meet Fresh (above), we incorporated adjustable lighting in key areas, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all.
And make the most of any natural light you have at your disposal - as with all biophilic design elements, it’s incredibly powerful in helping you create a space with a calm, restful vibe.
When it comes to sound, balance is all-important.
Studies have shown that not all noise is bad in a bar or restaurant setting, but it’s important to manage jarring sounds to keep acoustic levels ambient.
As commercial interior specialists, we’ve got a number of design tricks in our arsenal to keep acoustic levels comfortable - from using soft textures to counter reverberation off hard surfaces and thoughtful zoning to using acoustic solutions like panels, walls and even specially-designed light fittings.
Materials and textures also play a key role, with patterns that demand too much attention causing sensory overload and rough or hard fabrics, for example, failing to hit the mark on the comfort front.
Look instead to finishes that are tactile yet understated - soft leather, smooth woods or lush, plush velvets and rich linens and cottons - all details which, subtle though they might be, can transform a space into a haven of comfort for your neurodivergent customers.
Restful breakout corners at Search Labs
Taking a leaf from the Office Design playbook
An emerging trend that we’re excited to explore is the inclusion of quiet zones in hospitality spaces.
Working just like one of the Design Tonic team’s favourite office design elements, office breakout zones, these versatile spaces are especially great in busy bar environments, offering a retreat for guests looking for a break from sensory stimuli.
What would such a space need? Diving into our office design playbook, we would:
- Position the area away from high-traffic zones, loudspeakers or bustling bar counters.
- Use muted colours and artwork to keep things feeling calm and considered.
- Pair sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels, plush seating and thick carpets with soft, warm lighting.
- Use subtle dividers like frosted glass, bookshelves or greenery to create a sense of privacy while keeping things open.
- Offer a mix of seating options, so there’s something for everyone.
Explore some of our favourite breakout spaces in this blog
Staff-friendly spatial planning with bags of style at Design Tonic X Pink Door Coffee Shop
Thoughtful design belongs BTS too
For your staff, inclusive, thoughtful design is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The physical demands of bar and restaurant work can be immense, and an ergonomic, well-organised back-of-house area (or front-of-house area in smaller spaces! - see Pink Door Coffee Shop above) can make all the difference to your employees’ wellbeing.
In kitchens or prep areas, layouts need to allow your staff to move around without bottlenecks or hazards, with workflows kept clear, and height-adjustable countertops and well-placed equipment makes sure that employees of varying heights, strengths and physical abilities can work with ease.
And don’t forget the rest areas!
Comfortable seating, calming colors, and even small touches like greenery or artwork can create an environment where staff can truly recharge.
The psychological impact of inclusive design for bar and restaurant staff is just as important as it is for office workers.
By creating a workplace that values their comfort and health, you can foster loyalty, reduce turnover and cultivate a fantastic team that feels invested in your success.
Design Tonic X the Eddie Gray Suite at Leeds United, Adidas Box (for Savvy) at Old Trafford and the Peacock Suite at Leeds United
Inclusivity for Matchday Hospitality
Did you know that Design Tonic, through our specialist sports hospitality division DT Sports, also creates out-of-this-world spaces for Sports Stadia?
Working at the homes of the biggest names in UK Sport, from Manchester United to Leeds United, we know that this is a realm where the comfort stakes are super-high; calling for beyond-premium spaces designed to give fans a level of comfort and luxury that lifts the thrill of the game to a whole new level.
What have been our guiding principles when creating exceptionally stylish and oh-so inclusive matchday spaces?
An inclusive sports hospitality space balances opulence with accessibility.
For wheelchair users, this means providing seamless access to VIP seating with unobstructed sightlines.
And for neurodivergent guests, sensory-friendly considerations, including ambient lighting and comfortable acoustics, offer a respite from the energy of the game.
Inclusivity in these spaces is not only about accommodating diverse needs but also about elevating the experience for everyone, using thoughtful design details like plush seating, tactile materials and intuitive layouts to enhance the fan experience.
Ready to create a future-proofed, forward-thinking and uber-stylish bar or restaurant design that prioritises the needs of everyone? Speak to our talented team today.
