New Pub Opening Checklist — DK Services NW
The complete equipment checklist for opening a new pub or bar in the UK. What you need from day one, what can wait and how to get set up quickly and cost-effectively — from DK Services, who have helped hundreds of new pubs open across the Northwest.
We've split this into Day 1 essentials (what you need before you open) and items you can add later as your business grows. Where we recommend hiring we've marked it — this helps preserve your startup capital.
400mm undercounter model for most pubs. Essential from day one — you cannot run a bar without one. Hire from £18/week from DK Services.
At least one undercounter bottle cooler for beers, wines and mixers. 2-door model suits most pubs. Hire from £12/week from DK Services.
30-45kg for small pubs, 65-100kg for busy venues. Running out of ice loses you sales. Hire from £20/week from DK Services.
To keep your beer at the correct temperature. Usually installed by your brewery or beer supplier. Check your tenancy agreement.
Pint glasses, half pint, wine glasses, spirit glasses. Allow 3x your seated capacity. Check they are stamped to Trading Standards requirements.
At least one bar sink for rinsing glasses and hand washing. Two sinks preferred for a busy bar.
Undercounter model for most pub kitchens. Essential if you are serving any food. Hire from £20/week from DK Services.
Depends on your menu. A simple pub food menu needs at minimum a commercial oven and grill.
Upright fridge and freezer for food storage. Must meet food safety temperature requirements.
Legal requirement for any commercial kitchen. Must meet building regulations and health and safety standards.
A modern EPOS system handles orders, stock and cash. Most pubs use cloud-based systems from Epos Now, Square or similar.
Essential for card payments, EPOS, music streaming and customer WiFi. Install well before opening day.
You need a PRS for Music licence to play music publicly. Budget for a commercial sound system suited to your venue size.
Every pub needs a commercial glasswasher, bottle coolers and an ice machine as a minimum. If serving food you also need a commercial dishwasher and kitchen equipment. A cellar cooling system, glassware, bar sinks, EPOS system and music licence are also essential from day one.
To buy essential bar equipment outright (glasswasher, bottle cooler, ice machine) expect to pay £2,000-£5,000. To hire the same equipment from DK Services costs from £48 per week — with free delivery, installation and all maintenance included. Most new pubs choose to hire to preserve startup capital for the first few months of trading.
Most new pubs benefit from hiring equipment. Hiring preserves your startup capital, includes free maintenance and callouts, and means no surprise repair bills in your first year when cash flow is most critical. DK Services specialise in new venue setups across Manchester, Liverpool and the full Northwest.
DK Services can deliver and install bar equipment across Manchester, Liverpool and the full Northwest same-day or next-day in many cases. Call 0161 303 2337 as early as possible before your opening date to book your installation slot and ensure everything is in place for day one.
We specialise in getting new pubs and bars set up quickly and cost-effectively across Manchester, Liverpool and the full Northwest. Call us before your opening date and we will sort everything.