I have never been in a bar or tavern any where that did not have a mirror situated behind the bar. So there must be some reason and beginning to this practice. I'm looking for details here...it's a pretty good conversation piece.
2006-10-12 04:32:29 · 15 answers · asked by thickbk-thincvr 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The practice has to go back to the 1800s ..In the painting by Manet 1881 -1882 Bar at the Follies-Bregere .. the painting is done in 1881 France. the painting is done with a barmaid having her back to a mirror . and Manet puts a man at the corner... Its an illusion . ANYWAY .. In the mirror you can see the whole establishment.. I think that being that all the paintings in bars show mirrors from more than 150 years ago .. there is a utilitarian reason .. .. That one they reflected light They had no ELECTRIC ... and 2 they help the bar people see who is behind them .. for safety or for a good service tip .. i think it is more utilitarian than looks .. it helps with the all ready dim lighting... and it helps to see who is waiting for your service...
2006-10-12 05:06:12 · answer #1 · answered by zachs mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family own a club. There are many reasons why they have the mirrors. Some of them for the bartender and others for the owner, and also for the guest in the Club.
1) Mirrors makes the room look bigger. They also make the bar look fuller than it is, as if there are more bottles than there really are on the shelves. The Mirrors also reflect the so very little light around, which makes the room some what more romantic for those who are looking for that bit in their evening.
2) The bartender can keep an eye on what is going around them. The guest, the waitresses etc.
3) You the guest can also keep an eye on the bartender, so you can tell what they are putting in your drink if you are watching.
4) The mirrors also will fool the eye and make the club, bars, taverns look more lively. It does. You may not notice at first, but they do.
In general they make the room look brighter, bigger, with many angels to see all around for the patroons of the establishment as well as for the guests.
2006-10-12 05:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by Sierra Leone 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe to create the appearance of space. It can be quite cramped behind some bars. I know a lot that don't have mirrors but maybe the ones that do give peace of mind to the customers because they can see what is going on under the bar? Just a thought.
2006-10-12 04:35:20 · answer #3 · answered by claire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best guess is so that the bartender can keep an eye on his back when he turns around to mix drinks - - make sure no one steals anything or tries to jump the bar.
Maybe nowdays its just for aesthetics - - to make the space look bigger?
2006-10-12 04:35:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One so the bartenders can watch and two because it makes the bar look bigger.
2006-10-12 04:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by CaSeY LyNe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you can check out the people behind you without looking like you're cruising the place.
2006-10-12 04:36:06 · answer #6 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so the bartender can see the crowd and who is at the bar when they have their backs turned making drinks.
2006-10-12 04:36:01 · answer #7 · answered by annie - rainbow goddess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you can see yourself gradually get drunk while sitting at the bar.
2006-10-12 04:35:13 · answer #8 · answered by Eldude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you can flirt with someone a few seats down without being overly obvious about it.... lol
2006-10-12 04:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by just_me3575 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So the bartenders can see what's going on when there back is turned.
2006-10-12 04:34:51 · answer #10 · answered by dabean003 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋