The first quarter of the year is a busy time for the hospitality industry, when a barrage of new openings occurs. Alongside all the work that goes into the kitchen and front of house, the refurbishment of washroom facilities is an area that demands your attention when entering the hospitality sector. New York Chef and Restaurateur David Chang has said that the bathroom is a good indicator of a restaurant's overall attitude. Going on to say that if a restaurant can’t keep their bathroom respectable, then what is the kitchen and the areas customers don’t see like?
Here we take a look at ten traits of successful washrooms in restaurants and hospitality.
1. Hand drying
No one wants to return from the washroom with clammy, damp hands. Yet, surprisingly, this is all too often the case. No matter how tight or limited your space – and we know that can be the case in restaurants – make sure you provide adequate hand drying facilities. This could be via an efficient hand dryer, but disposable paper hand towels are very popular. Perhaps consider a stack of washable hand towels that can be dropped into a basket and reused. This gives a high-end experience and actually saves money in the long run.
2. Lighting
This may sound trivial, but lighting goes a long way to setting the mood and tone of your washroom. A little secret here – it can also help hide some less defined areas of the washroom if you’re only part-refurbishing the wash space. Think about light fittings, perhaps uplighters may work better than downlighters. Don’t be afraid to use some colour and make sure it isn’t too moody and dark – people need to see what they’re doing.
3. Mirrors
It’s well known that mirrors make a space look and feel bigger. It increases natural light and is a secret weapon in washrooms with limited space. If space allows, try to incorporate a full height. Guests can then check how they look before leaving the washroom, and in this industry, it’s all about customers feeling good.
4. Seating
Some of the most successful washrooms are those with generous space. And you’re going to need it if you want to enjoy the benefits of this washroom addition. Seating is a great way to make a lasting impression on customers and also encourages guests to spend a little more time in the washroom. A chaise longue or sofa delivers a real homely feel and works particularly well in female washrooms.
5. Good Soap
We like to leave the washroom feeling clean and refreshed. Good-quality hand soap is a great way to improve the user experience and lets the customer leave the dining room with a faint whiff of great soap, rather than the other smells that can linger in a washroom. It’s also a great option in low to mid-range establishments where diners might eat certain dishes with their hands, such as in gourmet burger restaurants.
6. Go Bespoke
If you have the option to incorporate bespoke items in your washroom, then this can be a great focal point and really set your washroom apart. This could come from light fittings made from salvaged objects, or, in extreme cases, end up like an art installation. Check out the loos in Pierre Gagniere’s London restaurant, where going bespoke has been taken to another level. However, it has people talking, tweeting and Instagramming about it almost daily.
7. A Homely Touch
It doesn’t have to be something fancy that sets your restaurant's washroom apart from the rest. In David Chang’s New York Restaurant Momofuku, the washroom has shelves above the toilet that house a significant collection of cookbooks. This homely touch doesn’t need to be quite so literal, though, and simple little things like hanging pictures can transform a washroom from cold and clinical to a quirky, interesting space.
8. Smart Hand Washing
Standard washbasins can be a bit too safe in some cases. Wash troughs are increasingly popular in this industry. They look great and don’t require a vanity unit to carry. Whether you go for a wash trough or stick to ordinary wash basins, make sure the flow of water isn’t too strong – no one wants high-powered water spraying up their front- and, if using mixer taps, that the temperature is suitably warm.
9. Smelling Good
Washrooms are home to a wide range of smells, many of them unpleasant. This highlights the importance of air circulation and extraction. This needs careful consideration and is fundamental in restaurant and hospitality washrooms. In addition to air circulation and extraction, consider aromatic diffusers to effectively freshen the air in your wash space.
10. Cleaning programme
This is perhaps THE most important point of this list. No matter how slick, smart, and swanky your washrooms may be, they mean nothing if you don’t have them cleaned regularly and properly. You need a tightly run cleaning programme and regular checks to ensure the washroom is tidy, clean and smelling great. Make sure the hand towels are neatly stacked and that there are plenty. Clean any spillages and replace empty toilet roll dispensers.
This list is by no means definitive, but highlights key areas to consider when planning restaurant washrooms, as well as those in the wider hospitality sector, such as bars, pubs and hotels. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, the key is in the planning. Last-minute additions don’t always work out, and if you plan, you’re prepared.
As always, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. If you need some guidance or would like to talk through your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.
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