discover our noise control solutions for restaurants
The clinking of cutlery and glasses, the babble of conversation, the scraping of chairs: restaurants are noisy by nature. Although a certain level of noise is expected, there are steps you can take to make it a more enjoyable environment.
The hospitality sector is one of our most important industries at Oscar Acoustics. We love helping restaurants create inviting spaces where staff and diners enjoy spending time.
why noise control is important in restaurants
If a restaurant is echoing, it’s extremely hard for people to hear conversations, even when sat at the same table. This forces everyone to raise their voice to be heard which only makes matters worse. Combine this with general background restaurant noise and it soon creates a sonic battleground that diners cannot wait to escape from. Many might find the experience so unpleasant that they don’t return for a second visit. They may even leave a poor review. People crave a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy their food, so taking noise control seriously makes sound business sense.
It’s also deeply unpleasant for staff to work long hours in an overly noisy environment. They might struggle to hear orders or communicate with colleagues. If you’ve ever had a waiter deliver the wrong order, it might be because they were struggling to hear!
That’s not to mention that exposure to excess noise leads to stress and fatigue. Working in hospitality can be high-pressure, so a supportive working environment is key. It makes communication easier for restaurant and kitchen staff, so operations can run much smoother.
Then there’s the matter of legal and health standards. In the UK, there are legal guidelines regarding noise levels in workplaces to protect employees from potential hearing damage and stress-related conditions. By addressing noise levels proactively, restaurants can comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
By demonstrating a commitment to health and safety, you can enhance your reputation as an employer and retain valued staff. You can also increase customer loyalty, with modern diners valuing spaces that are designed for their experience and comfort.
Noise control ensures that spaces sound as good as they look. It can also encourage positive reviews and recommendations. It will also make your venue more inclusive for all, including neurodiverse and people with hearing difficulties.
the problem of sound reverberation
Our acoustic sprays and plasters are great for reducing echoes in commercial spaces.
Sound reverberation in restaurants can significantly affect the dining experience, along with making life difficult for staff.
Reverberation occurs when sound waves reflect off hard surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors, creating a prolonged echo-like effect. Although some ambient noise can contribute to a lively atmosphere, excessive reverberation amplifies noise to uncomfortable levels. It can lead to a cacophony that makes conversation arduous, and the space feeling unpleasant.
It’s important to remember that diners not only visit restaurants for food, but also to enjoy conversations. Excessive reverberation will make speech sound muddled, which often leads to people raising their voices. This phenomenon, known as the Lombard effect, often exacerbates noise levels further, creating a feedback loop of discomfort.
Customers may associate the venue with stress rather than the ability to relax, making them less likely to return.
why reverberations are common in restaurants
Modern restaurant design often prioritises attractiveness over acoustics, with hard materials like glass, concrete, and metal commonly used to create a luxurious feel.
Unfortunately, these materials reflect sound rather than absorb it, worsening reverberation issues. Addressing this problem through acoustic solutions, such as sound-absorbing plaster and sprays, and softer furnishings, can improve the experience without compromising your venue’s visual appeal.
Remember, controlling sound reverberation is crucial for creating a pleasant dining environment. By prioritising acoustics alongside aesthetics, you can improve people’s comfort, communication, and overall customer satisfaction.
we offer a range of acoustic solutions
Oscar Acoustics offer a range of noise control solutions ideal for use in restaurants. Our seamless acoustic plasters and sprays not only reduce problems like sound reverberation; they also improve the appearance of your space.
Our previous projects have included the Hard Rock Hotel in London, where we used SonaSpray fcx and fc to give clarity to speech and music. Here’s some more details about these particular products:
SonaSpray fcx. This acoustic plaster spray provides a smooth and seamless finish. Unlike traditional ceiling sprays and plasters, this spray absorbs sound energy instead of reflecting it. It’s therefore excellent for reducing reverberation and overall noise levels.
This decorative acoustic spray plaster provides an attractive, flat and lightly pitted surface. Whatever the type of restaurant, it will suit surfaces of all shapes. It can be used with all common construction materials including plaster, wood, metal and concrete.
SonaSpray fc, a fire-rated, seamless and decorative sound absorber. Lightly textured with a firm finish, it can help you achieve superb acoustics. A high-performance sound absorber, this adhesive will bond to virtually all common construction materials including plaster, wood, metal and concrete. That makes it ideal for use in restaurants which are decorated with a range of materials.
Contact our team for more details on our noise control solutions for restaurants.