Spending a Penny on Your Restaurant Restroom

According to an old saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” and no where is this adage more relevant than in the catering/hospitality industry. Whilst the importance of cleanliness in the kitchen is imperative, sometimes the sanitation of the toilet amenities can be somewhat overlooked. Recently, a friend of mine ate at a relatively new restaurant and was having a rather pleasant time, until she visited the restroom facilities.

Upon entering the ladies, the lady in question was confronted with a room not much bigger than a shoebox. Inside, an ominous, polyurethane foam covered pipe descended from the ceiling and dripped water into the washbasin. The door was slightly warped and the lock looked so foreboding that she feared she may end up trapped in there if she attempted to use it. Needless to say, the experience was not a pleasant one for her. 

Being aware of the impact which toilet facilities can have upon a diners’ experience is vitally important. Even if a toilet passes all hygiene tests, putting effort into its aesthetics can be a good way of making sure that a customer gets the best possible impression of your establishment. Whilst size constraints can often dictate exactly what it is you can do with your restroom, making sure it is clean and is decorated nicely (however basically) is important in giving a positive overall effect.

It should go without saying that regular checks of the facilities, at the beginning of the evening and a couple of times throughout the night, should be undertaken to make sure that everything is running smoothly, is clean and tidy and that toilet paper and hand drying materials are in plentiful supply. Checking when there is no customer in there should be a prerequisite too!

Whilst most restaurants’ bathroom services are up to scratch and have nothing to worry about, the recent experience of my friend and her reaction to the situation she was confronted with suggests that some restaurants still forget about the importance of the toilet in creating an overall positive impression. It was clear to me that my friend’s experience had soured her opinion of the restaurant in question by the way in which she told me the story straight away when asked how her evening had been. When one thinks of the grandeur opulence of restrooms in high-end eateries such as The Ivy and Podium at the Hilton Park Lane, it is obvious that their decision makers realise the importance of the essential service which is the lavatory. Of course, most restaurants do not have the money to spend which establishments such as these do but just a little bit of effort can go a long way in making sure your customer has the best possible time at your eating place. 

Rather strangely, a chain of toilet-themed restaurants has opened across China.

Seats in Taiwan’s 12 “Modern Toilet” establishments are toilet-shaped, napkins are dispensed from toilet rolls on tables and food containers are also toilet or sink-shaped.

Owner Wang Tzi-wei opened his first Modern Toilet in 2004 after being inspired by a Japanese cartoon featuring restroom images and the toilet themes run through the food and drinks menus.

It certainly makes me wonder: what do the actual toilets look like in these restaurants?