Opening at The Piano Bar Soho

✅ Opening Checklist – Do This in Order

When You First Arrive:

• Order ice.
• Check the temperature outside:
  • If above 16°C, open the windows.
  • If above 21°C, turn on the air conditioning.
  • (This helps air the space and cool it down.)
    

Team Check:

• Check who you’re working with today.
  • Has everyone arrived on time?
  • If anyone is more than 10 minutes late, check with the manager on duty to confirm they’re still coming.
• Check that the bar team are double-checking their stock.
  • Remind them to let you know of anything out of stock.
    

Tech & Tools:

• Turn on the Square machine and ensure it’s charged.
• Check the smoke machine and lighter are working.
• Are the Ring doorbells charging?
• Is there spare till roll behind the bar?
  

(Having the right team and stock in place lets you plan ahead. If something can’t be restocked, know what will be unavailable to customers. If someone’s missing, you may need to adapt your setup.)

Venue Walkthrough:

• Walk the space and rearrange furniture as needed – e.g. the library chairs and Golden Circle.
  • If drums are out and space is tight, test that there’s room for customers and hosts to move comfortably.
• Wipe tables with furniture polish.
• Put out candles and menus.
• Set the podium.
• Put signs out.
• Check toilets:
  • Are they clean?
  • Is there spare toilet roll?
  • Is the soap topped up?
    

Timed Actions:

• At 4:45pm – if ice hasn’t arrived, call and ask for an ETA.
• (They know delivery should be by 5pm – this gives you a buffer.)
• At 5:10pm – if you haven’t seen a musician in the building, let the show-runner know.
  

Final Checks Before Opening:

• Check Universe and the Soho Live website for guest numbers and the artist lineup.
• Confirm what’s out of stock.
• Ask: Does the bartender need help?
• Is the fridge stocked with wine?
• Is the downstairs kitchen glass wash station set up?
• Are both grey trays behind the bar?
• Is the bar set up for hosts to reach everything they need?
• (See the front bar setup list below.)
  

Final Touches:

• Huddle! (See huddle cues below.)
• Spray the smelly spray throughout the venue.
• Do a vibe check – lights, music levels, and temperature.
• WhatsApp the Leaders group saying all ready to open
• !

🗣 Huddle Cues – Team Briefing Before Doors Open

Use this checklist to run a quick but thorough team huddle:

• Who’s playing tonight?
  • Check artist line-up for both venues.
• What are the guest numbers?
  • First house / second house.
• Are you sending guests to Alfie’s after first house finishes?
• Any guest list names, events or special requests?
• Any stock issues?
  • Out of stock or running low.
• Any maintenance or general venue issues the team should know about?
• What’s the weather doing?
  • Will it affect footfall or comfort?
• Door ticket price?
  • Make sure everyone knows.
• Are the cocktail lounges open?
  • If yes, which ones?
• Set expectations clearly:
  • No empty glasses left around.
  • Hosts should keep circulating.
  • One host at the door – don’t all crowd by the bar.
  • Keep an eye on cocktail lounges.
    

During the Night:

• If the second house is lively and spending, consider pushing last orders later.
• Restock between houses – glasses, ice, bar supplies.
• No breaks during key moments – opening, band breaks, and show changeovers.

🍸 Front of Bar Setup – What Should Be Where

Keep the front of the bar clean and functional. Only the essentials should be visible:

• Spare gear only – Ring doorbells, charger, printer, spare receipt roll.
• Water station – Two jugs and glasses on a tray.
• Smoke setup – Smoke gun, lighter, and wood chips together in one place.
• Cleaning materials – Wipes and blue roll by the jar of candles.
• Beer glass stack – Against the wall as backup for highball shortages.
• Tab book – Tucked between the candles and glassware.
• Black cocktail napkins – In their holder.
• Straws – In size order, lowest at the front.
• Stars & coffee beans – Next to the straws.
• Waiter’s friend / wine opener.
• Receipt stabber – Positioned at the front.
• Square devices – Charged and ready to go.