This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a pub.
Our business plan for a pub will help you build a profitable project
Opening a pub is thrilling, but determining what equipment you need can be daunting.
The challenge lies in knowing exactly what to purchase without breaking the bank or overlooking something essential.
Every pub has unique requirements, and equipment costs can rapidly escalate if you don't plan strategically.
Complete Pub Equipment List
Opening a successful pub requires thorough planning and the proper equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your pub operational and profitable.
Bar Equipment
- Draft beer system - Essential for serving fresh beer on tap
- Beer taps - Multiple taps for variety of draft offerings
- Keg refrigeration - Keeps beer at optimal serving temperature
- Glass washer - Quickly cleans and sanitizes glassware efficiently
- Ice machine - Produces ice for cocktails and chilled drinks
- Cocktail shakers - Mixes drinks properly for consistent quality
- Jiggers/measuring tools - Ensures accurate pour portions for profitability
- Bar spoons - Essential for stirring and layering drinks
- Bottle openers - Opens bottled beverages quickly during busy periods
- Wine opener/corkscrew - Serves wine efficiently and professionally
- Muddler - Crushes ingredients for specialty cocktails
- Strainer - Filters ice and ingredients from mixed drinks
- Speed rails - Organizes frequently used liquors for quick access
- Bar mats - Protects surfaces and catches spills during service
- Garnish station - Stores fruit and garnishes for drink preparation
Glassware
- Pint glasses - Standard beer serving glasses in various sizes
- Wine glasses - Red and white wine specific glasses
- Cocktail glasses - Martini, rocks, and highball glasses
- Shot glasses - For spirits and specialty shots
- Champagne flutes - Elegant glasses for sparkling wines
- Mugs - Coffee mugs and beer steins for variety
Kitchen Equipment
- Commercial grill - Cooks burgers, steaks, and grilled items
- Deep fryer - Prepares chips, wings, and fried appetizers
- Commercial refrigerator - Stores food ingredients and prepared items
- Freezer - Preserves frozen foods and ice cream
- Prep tables - Stainless steel surfaces for food preparation
- Commercial dishwasher - Handles high volume dish cleaning
- Food processor - Chops vegetables and prepares ingredients quickly
- Microwave - Reheats food items and quick cooking
- Cutting boards - Separate boards for different food types
- Kitchen knives - Professional grade knives for food prep
- Pots and pans - Various sizes for cooking different dishes
- Food storage containers - Keeps ingredients fresh and organized
Seating & Furniture
- Bar stools - High seating for bar counter area
- Tables - Various sizes for different group accommodations
- Chairs - Comfortable seating for dining areas
- Booths - Private seating options for intimate dining
- High-top tables - Casual standing/sitting dining options
Audio-Visual Equipment
- Sound system - Music and audio for atmosphere
- TVs/screens - Sports viewing and entertainment
- Speakers - Distributed audio throughout venue
- Microphone system - For live music or announcements
- Lighting system - Ambient and accent lighting control
Point of Sale & Payment
- POS system - Processes orders and payments efficiently
- Cash register - Traditional payment processing backup
- Credit card terminals - Accepts electronic payments
- Receipt printer - Provides customer transaction records
- Cash drawer - Secure storage for cash transactions
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Three-compartment sink - Washing, rinsing, sanitizing protocol
- Hand washing station - Staff hygiene compliance
- Sanitizer dispensers - Maintains cleanliness standards
- Floor mats - Anti-slip safety in work areas
- Cleaning supplies - Daily maintenance and deep cleaning
- Trash receptacles - Waste management throughout venue
Storage Solutions
- Liquor storage - Secure storage for alcoholic beverages
- Dry storage - Non-perishable food and supplies
- Shelving units - Organized storage for inventory
- Wine racks - Proper wine storage and display
Safety & Security
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment
- First aid kit - Emergency medical supplies
- Security cameras - Monitor premises for safety
- Safe - Secure storage for cash and valuables
- Exit signs - Emergency evacuation guidance
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Ventilation system - Removes smoke, odors, and heat
- Electrical supply - Powers all equipment and lighting
- Plumbing - Supports sinks, dishwashers, and restrooms
- Gas lines - Fuels cooking equipment and heating
- HVAC system - Climate control for customer comfort
Software & Technology
- Inventory management software - Tracks stock levels automatically
- Staff scheduling system - Manages employee schedules efficiently
- Accounting software - Handles finances and payroll
- Customer loyalty program - Encourages repeat business
Additional Items
- Staff uniforms - Professional appearance and branding
- Aprons - Protects clothing during food service
- Non-slip shoes - Safety footwear for staff
- Towels - Cleaning and maintenance supplies
- Menu boards - Displays food and drink offerings
Our financial plan for a pub will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most pub owners spend between $60,000 and $300,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $40,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic bar systems, kitchen equipment, and seating just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Neighborhood Pub
A small neighborhood pub with basic drinks and simple food needs around $40,000-$80,000, and most of that budget goes toward draft beer systems and basic kitchen equipment.
- Medium-Sized Pub
A medium-sized pub serving full meals and extensive drinks typically runs $80,000-$180,000, with more specialized equipment like commercial grills and advanced POS systems.
- Large Pub
A large pub or gastropub with extensive offerings can easily hit $180,000-$300,000, especially when you add things like custom bars and professional kitchen systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Pub ($40,000 - $80,000)
Small pubs focus on essential equipment that can handle daily drink service, basic food, and comfortable seating. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Setup | 4-tap draft system with keg cooler, basic bar with back bar, glass washer, ice machine, essential bar tools | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | Small commercial grill, single fryer, reach-in refrigerator, prep table, basic dishwasher | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Seating & Furniture | 10-12 bar stools, 8-10 tables with chairs, basic booth seating for 20-25 people total | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Audio-Visual | Basic sound system, 2-3 TVs with mounting, simple lighting setup | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| POS & Payment | Basic POS system with credit card processing, cash drawer, receipt printer | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Glassware & Supplies | Essential glassware set, basic serving supplies, cleaning equipment | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, basic installation, permits, initial setup and testing | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Medium-Sized Pub ($80,000 - $180,000)
Medium pubs need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse menu offerings and higher customer volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer full restaurant service alongside drinks.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Systems | 8-12 tap draft system with glycol cooling, custom bar construction, automatic glass washer, large ice machine | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | Commercial range with oven, double fryer, char grill, walk-in cooler, prep refrigeration, commercial hood system | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Seating & Furniture | 20-25 bar stools, 15-20 tables with chairs, booth seating, high-top tables for 60-80 people capacity | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Audio-Visual | Professional sound system with multiple zones, 4-6 large TVs, programmable lighting system | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| POS & Technology | Advanced POS with inventory tracking, multiple terminals, integrated payment processing, kitchen display system | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Dishware & Supplies | Complete glassware collection, dinnerware, serving supplies, extensive bar tools and equipment | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training, permits and inspections, system integration | $8,000 - $15,000 |
Large-Scale Pub ($180,000 - $300,000)
Large pubs operate as full restaurants with extensive bar programs. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, consistency, and the ability to handle high-volume service with premium equipment and systems.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Bar Systems | 16+ tap draft system with glycol lines, custom millwork bar, automated dispensing systems, specialty cocktail equipment | $40,000 - $60,000 |
| Commercial Kitchen | Full commercial range suite, multiple fryers, char grill, salamander, walk-in cooler/freezer complex, prep stations | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Seating & Furniture | Custom seating for 100+ people, mix of bar, table, and booth seating, outdoor furniture if applicable | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Audio-Visual Systems | Professional multi-zone audio, 8+ large TVs with sports packages, stage area with sound system, lighting control | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Advanced Technology | Enterprise POS system, inventory management, staff scheduling, customer loyalty program, kitchen management system | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Dishware & Equipment | Premium glassware collection, complete dinnerware, specialized serving equipment, extensive bar tool collection | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Security & Safety | Complete security camera system, access control, fire suppression system, advanced safety equipment | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Installation & Systems | Complete professional installation, custom millwork, system integration, comprehensive staff training, all permits | $15,000 - $25,000 |