Once simply places to kick back and relax with a little drinking and dancing, bars and clubs have developed into stylish arenas at which to see and be seen. From slick "style bars" specializing in high-end spirits and wines to late-night lounge bars that provide a relaxing alternative to warehouse clubbing, cocktail culture is experiencing a tremendous revival. With every design element--from layout to lighting--considered vital to the success of any "scene," competitive designers continually push the limits of style, theme, and materials to create ever more spectacular spaces.

In Bar and Club Design, more than 40 visually intoxicating restaurant bars, hotel bars, independent bars, and clubs from all over the globe are featured in more than 200 stunning photographs and detailed floor plans. In each short chapter, author Bethan Ryder delves into enticing spots like Las Vegas' Rumjungle and Copenhagen's Nasa, covering each venue's remarkable history, layout, furniture, lighting, and accessories. She also provides insight into the individual designer's strategy for maximizing client pleasure, and in her engaging introduction sets recent bar and club development within its social and historical context.

Showcasing the best after-dark playgrounds, this invaluable reference for architects and designers is also an indispensable guide for anyone seeking the perfect party.

Other Details: 210 illustrations, 160 in full color. 10 1/4 x 10 1/4" trim size. Published 2002.

As author of Bar & Club Design, with (evidently) currently too much spare time , I should like to point out a few things to the San Antonio reader who posted a review. Firstly, that I know none of the other readers who have posted reviews, they are not my bribed friends! And secondly, this book is actually a source book primarily aimed at architects and designers, many of whom find such books a useful tool for inspiration and ideas; it is not meant to be a step-by-step guide to how to design a bar or club.

Just wanted to get that straight for other readers of this page, so don't let Disparaging of ST dissuade you if that sounds up your street. And if you like this book, look out for 'Restaurant Design' due out this August (2004).

As the author I had no idea what to grade myself, so obviously put 5 stars...at least it'll grab your attention right?


A work of genius   March 8, 2002
Jim Edwards (New York, NY USA)
4 out of 15 found this review helpful

Certainly, this stands as the definitive text on bars and clubs, a benchmark that will likely stand for decades as the ne plus ultra exposition on the complicated nexus of style, design, fashion, trend, and drinking too much.


...Opinions are just that.   February 9, 2005
T. Esposito (Bayonne, NJ)
0 out of 8 found this review helpful

Bethan Ryder,

I commend you for taking an active interest in the opinions of your readers/viewers. However, I encourage you to not take offense to any of your readers opinions especially those which are clearly novice. I have yet to purchase your book, which I intend to, however as an artistic visionary you above all should know that one mans beauty is another mans troll.