What size and shape of table tops should I use to optimise covers?

There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer to this but when planning your spatial arrangement and deciding table sizes first consider what you are going to be serving. If your site is wet-led (i.e. has no food offer) then table sizes can be smaller, standard off the shelf sizes tend to be 1000 x 610mm or 610 x 610mm, although even narrower tables can be utilised. If your site has a dining offer however then the bare minimum table size should be 1200 x 700mm for a party of 4 or 700 x 700mm for a party of 2. It is tempting to use smaller tables, but consideration should be taken as to the comfort of the customer and once a tabletop is populated with cutlery, condiments, plates (and side plates) as well as drinks the tabletop can quickly become cluttered. In areas of high traffic, it is advisable to utilise round tops to the same dimensions outlined above as this improves the ability for customers to flow around the tables however this does come at a loss to flexibility as tables cannot be pushed together to cater to larger parties. Careful consideration should be given to distance between tables, to enable customers (especially Wheelchair users) and serving staff to navigate freely around the space. In general, clear walkways of a minimum width of 900mm should be maintained wherever possible. Proximity between tables should also be considered in order to ensure the correct atmosphere is achieved. If your desire is to be a high-end establishment where couples go on special occasions, ample space should be given between tables to allow for a romantic, intimate atmosphere. Whereas in a more relaxed dining or drinking environment where privacy or intimacy are less important then spacing between tables can be reduced which can then, in turn, increase the potential number of covers within the trade space. In basic terms we would recommend the following – • 1200mm minimum width between bar servery and tables to ensure ease of circulation. • 900mm minimum width for all other walkways/circulation routes. • 700mm minimum distance between tables in restaurants, reducing to 500mm in more casual dining or drinking establishments.