Being a skilled, engaging and efficient host as well as knowing how to “get the party started” is the key to running a successful bar, according to Be At One co-founder Steve Locke.
Speaking at the Pub Retail Summit 2013, Locke said: “When you come into one of our bars you see a key part of our business is about hosting.”
“The real key to our business is about having a party. If you want to have a party you need some key ingredients. Drinks, music, but there’s one key ingredient that is fundamental to any party that you can’t outsource. The most important thing that any party needs is a host,” said Locke.
“We have something called 5-60-30. Five relates to a five-second approach. If you were to come into a bar you would need to get recognised within five seconds. The 60 relates to 60 seconds to have your drink made and 30 is 30 seconds until you get your change back,” added Locke.
Be At One spends “eight weeks at the cost of £5,000 training each bartender “with all of the staff working full time and “fanatical about hosting a party.”
