Cantilever: In The Mix September

All the latest news from our design studio.

What’s New - A Summer of Installs

A huge part of our success comes from our talented install team. Not only do they fit bars with precision, efficiency, and speed, but they also navigate all kinds of spaces and challenges - always focusing on getting the job done right and to a high standard, while maintaining a great rapport with clients and everyone around them.

Did you know our installation team works closely with our designers? They constantly provide feedback, helping us refine designs so installations run even more smoothly and efficiently in future. With every bar project, we learn something new, improving our process for the next one.

Our Designer Cerys joined the installation team at one of our latest bar installs. Here’s what she had to say: “Attending site for the first time as a lead designer on a project was such a valuable experience! It was great to see the bar install process in person and I am super impressed with how the install team approached site co-ordination and problem solving and their attention to detail is second to none. It felt surreal watching the bar I’d spent so long designing on screen finally come to life in front of me!”

Summer 2025 has been packed with installs. With back-to-back sites, we’ve had the pleasure of working on lots of exciting projects that we can’t wait to share. Watch this space!

Topic Of The Month - Full Build Bars

A bar is more than just a place to serve drinks - it’s the heart of your Venue!

Did you know we also supply full-build bar solutions as well as bespoke underbars?

Not only do we resolve the full bar design - we supply samples for sign off, create rendered visuals for the space, and finally we manufacture and install the bar to your unique requirements.  Every detail is considered: bartops, front panels, backfitting joinery, gantries, mirrors, LED lighting, footrails, and waiter stations. The result is a fully resolved bar solution where operations run seamlessly, without ever compromising the look and feel of the space.  With premium finishes like granite, marble, terrazzo, Pyrolave, brass, and pewter, sourced through our trusted

specialist suppliers, we create bars that are as beautiful as they are functional, bringing your vision to life.  Here’s what one of our long-standing clients had to say:

“We have worked very successfully with Cantilever Bars over a number of years to deliver new bar fit-outs as well as expanding or improving existing ones.

We have always found their handling of our projects to be creative, professional, prompt and to a very high standard. From brief to handover, the process has been smooth and well-coordinated – good people to work with! Thank you.”

Paul Rawson, General Manager, The Newt in Somerset

Project Focus - The Occidental D.C. Outdoor Bar

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on our latest project with Starr Restaurants, a partnership we’ve been proud to nurture for years. Over time, we’ve worked closely with their team to craft bar solutions that are not only visually striking but also perfectly aligned with their operational needs - making service seamless, efficient, and full of flair. Every detail is designed with the guest experience in mind, ensuring both style and functionality go hand in hand.

Starr Restaurants was founded by Stephen Starr, an iconic figure in the US hospitality scene. The group operates over 35 standout venues across cities including New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Renowned for bold design, culinary creativity, and exceptional service, Starr Restaurants consistently sets the standard for memorable dining experiences. Their venues are more than restaurants - they’re destinations, where every element, from atmosphere to service, is carefully considered.

Our Director, Lottie was the lead designer on this exciting project and had this to say: “Working with the team at Starr Restaurants for quite a few years has been such a pleasure. Their passion and enthusiasm to ensure their bars are designed well, putting a focus on the operations of the bar is really refreshing. Every project has its unique details, but the goal is always the same: designing efficient bars, enabling Starr Restaurants’ high quality cocktails to be made with flair and speed.”

At The Occidental, the challenge was to bring the energy and performance of our bars into an al fresco setting without compromising on efficiency or guest experience.  We created a customized version of our off the shelf event bar, tailored to suit Starr Restaurant’s operational requirements. We included design details used in their fixed Bars, with the addition of custom-cladding in order for the bar to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Fully equipped for rapid service, and designed to impress guests at every turn, this bar proves that outdoor dining can be both stylish and high-performing. Yet another example of how thoughtful design and close collaboration can transform a space into something truly special!

That’s all ‘In The Mix’ this month... until next time!
From the Cantilever Bars Team