There are far more equipment and bar accessories behind the average bar than people may think and when it comes to stocking a bar with bar equipment and accessories it is all to easy to forget some of the essentials that are required.
But a badly equipped bar will not be able to function properly sop here are some of the essential accessories that should be behind every bar:
Spirit Measure: Essential unless you want angry customers or wasted stock. The best solution for any more is the optic spirit measures which are far quicker to use.
Bar trays: Unless you want your staff to spend all their time mopping up spills it is essential to ensure you have enough bar trays. Drink mats for the bar itself should be used too otherwise you risk customers getting their sleeves wet on spillages.
Shakers and blenders: These are a necessity in most modern bars for cocktails and mixed drinks. There has been a growing trend for more fruit based beverages in many city bars so a good blender is essential.
Cork/screw Extractor: Another essential other wise you'll struggle serving wine if you can't get the cork out.
Wine measures: unless you have measured glasses you will need to get some measures for wine.
Bottle opener: As essential as a corkscrew. Most bars sell far more bottles than they used to so its probably wise to ensure you have plenty of bottle openers.
Cocktail accessories: Stirrers, straws and garnish such as umbrellas. Cocktails are having a renaissance so ensure you are stocked up with cocktail accessories.
Bottle pourers: handy to have as it makes pouring drinks easier, quicker and less messy. These attach to the top of most standard bottles.
Ice Bucket and scoop: Another necessity as people expect cooled and iced drinks these days. A decent sized bucket with scoop should be behind every bar.
Knife: A good sharp knife for slicing lemons and cutting garnishes.
When sourcing bar equipment and accessories it is important you remember practicality. Complicated devices are often more trouble than they are worth and remember the importance of being able to clean them. Shop for stainless steel where possible.