The ultimate guide for creating the perfect menu covers for your venue
When a customer first sits down at your establishment, be it a restaurant, pub, bar, hotel or cafe, your menu covers set the tone for their visit. The menu cover is not just a list of your food and drinks; it’s an extension of your brand and presents your first opportunity to connect with your customer. In this article, we’ll guide you through , to make sure you make the right impression.
What are Menu Covers, and why are they important?
Menu covers are specialised protective casings designed to house menus in various food and beverage establishments. In the hospitality world, first impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything. When your customer takes their seat and reaches for the menu, what they’re handed sets the tone for what follows. Is it clean? Is it stylish? Does it reflect the personality and professionalism of your venue? That’s where high-quality menu covers come in—not just as a protective tool, but as a branding asset.
Menu covers are often made from materials like leather, plastic, metal, or fabric and can be custom-designed to fit the ambience and style of the restaurant or cafe.
One primary function of menu covers is to protect the sheets from spills, stains, and general wear and tear. Menus frequently change hands between customers and staff; they can quickly become damaged or dirty without adequate protection. A menu cover allows for easier maintenance and cleaning, which saves on costs related to printing new menus in the long run.
The Labyrinth Menu Cover
- Striking Designs & Pattern
- Create Your Own Unique Design
- Luxurious & Tactile Style
- Huge Range Of Colours & Materials
- Truly Unique Menu Covers
- Striking Designs & Pattern
- Create Your Own Unique Design
- Luxurious & Tactile Style
- Huge Range Of Colours & Materials
- Truly Unique Menu Covers
Vivella Menu Covers
- Matte Leather Look
- Soft, Luxurious & Wipeable
- Many Colours Available
- Available In All Sizes & Fixings
- Personalisation Available
- Matte Leather Look
- Soft, Luxurious & Wipeable
- Many Colours Available
- Available In All Sizes & Fixings
- Personalisation Available
Saddle Hide Leather Menu Covers
- 100% Pure Saddle Hide Leather
- Flexible, Strong & Luxurious
- Multiple Colours Available
- Range Of Paper Fixings Available
- Full Personalisation Available
- 100% Pure Saddle Hide Leather
- Flexible, Strong & Luxurious
- Multiple Colours Available
- Range Of Paper Fixings Available
- Full Personalisation Available
London Buckram Menu Covers
- Buckray cloth menu covers
- Corner mounts or parallel bars
- Huge colour choice
- Beautiful foiling techniques
- CAN BE CLEANED WITH DISINFECTANT
- Buckray cloth menu covers
- Corner mounts or parallel bars
- Huge colour choice
- Beautiful foiling techniques
- CAN BE CLEANED WITH DISINFECTANT
Real Leather Covers
- 100% Genuine Leather
- Stunning Range Of Finishes
- Classic & Contemporary Colours
- Hand Crafted With Pleated Corners
- Full Personalisation Available
- 100% Genuine Leather
- Stunning Range Of Finishes
- Classic & Contemporary Colours
- Hand Crafted With Pleated Corners
- Full Personalisation Available
From classic fine-dining leather to bold contemporary prints, a thoughtfully chosen menu cover signals the quality and attention to detail that customers can expect from your service, your kitchen, and your team. It’s more than a menu holder – it’s a brand ambassador on every table.
The structure provided by menu covers can make it easier for customers to read the menu. Often, menus are multi-page documents with different sections for appetisers, main courses, desserts, and beverages. A good menu cover helps organise these different sections clearly, aiding customers in making their choices and thus speeding up the ordering process.
Why Do Menu Covers Matter?
Every hospitality professional knows that ambience matters as much as the food and drink on offer. Menu covers are an essential part of this ambience, blending aesthetics with function and utility. A good menu cover not only protects your printed menus from wear, spills, and stains but reinforces your brand identity—subtly yet powerfully.
Whether you run a buzzing cocktail bar, a rustic gastropub, or a refined restaurant, the right menu cover can:
- Make your brand instantly recognisable
- Offer a tactile, premium experience
- Withstand the rigours of daily service
- Keep menus tidy, clean, and consistent
The best menu covers go beyond function – they become an extension of your customer service ethos.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Look and Feel
The material you choose sets the tone for your entire venue. Think of it as the handshake before the handshake.
Choose from our wide range of menu cover colours, styles & fixing options. Menu cover materials including metal, leather, recycled leather, fabric, illuminated LED, carbon fibre, magnet fix, wooden, printed & plastic.
1. Leather and Faux Leather
Leather is synonymous with luxury. If you’re looking to make a bold, premium statement, leather or high-quality PU faux leather gives off a timeless charm. It’s ideal for fine dining venues, boutique hotels, and wine bars where sophistication is part of the draw.
Faux leather is an increasingly popular alternative—offering the same upscale aesthetic with added benefits: durability, easier cleaning, and ethical appeal.
Perfect for: Restaurants, high-end pubs, luxury hotels
Benefits: Durable, elegant, wipe-clean, personalisable
2. Wood and Wood-Effect
Nothing says natural and grounded like wood. Wood menu boards and covers are ideal for venues that lean into rustic charm, sustainability, or artisanal flair. Real wood creates a sense of craftsmanship and authenticity, while wood-effect laminates offer a lighter, more cost-effective alternative.
Perfect for: Farm-to-table eateries, countryside pubs, eco-conscious cafés
Benefits: Unique texture, customisable finishes, earthy visual appeal
3. Fabric and Buckram
Textile menu covers bring warmth and texture. Buckram—a durable, cloth-like material often used for bookbinding—can be combined with foil-stamped branding for a polished, classic look. These covers add depth and tactility that feels inviting and premium without being too formal.
Perfect for: Boutique bistros, casual-dining venues, cocktail lounges
Benefits: Versatile design options, custom colours, tactile charm
4. PVC and Polypropylene
PVC is the workhorse of the menu cover world. Affordable, durable, and incredibly easy to clean, it’s the go-to choice for high-turnover establishments. Available in a range of finishes and colours, PVC covers get the job done without fuss.
Perfect for: Cafés, diners, fast casual restaurants, high-traffic bars
Benefits: Budget-friendly, waterproof, easy to sanitise
5. Metal and Acrylic Accents
For venues that want something truly bold, mixed media covers incorporating metal corners, screws, or acrylic panels offer a modern, edgy aesthetic. These materials stand out in contemporary settings and urban venues with a design-led approach.
Perfect for: Trendy bars, rooftop restaurants, modern fusion kitchens
Benefits: Visually striking, extremely durable, customisable
Smart Hospitaility Supplies offer many other menu cover materials, colours and finishes – visit our menu covers collection or request a free menu cover sample below for further information.
Personalised Menu Covers: Bringing Your Brand to Life
Custom cutout and company logo
Your logo or a custom cutout pattern on the cover can catch the eye and make the menu stand out. A great menu cover doesn’t just protect paper—it projects personality.
The expert menu design team at Smart Hospitality Supplies can take you through the design, manufacture & personalisation of your menu covers to your exact requirements, giving you total control of your personalised menu cover design options with our artwork options, fixing options, material options & size options.
Through custom embossing, foil stamping, colour matching, and size variation, your menu covers can reinforce your identity at every table. Whether you want your logo subtly pressed into matte leather or boldly foiled in metallic gold, you’re crafting more than a menu – you’re curating an experience.
Popular customisation options include:
- Logo debossing or embossing
- Foil stamping (gold, silver, rose gold, and more)
- Edge trim options
- Corner protectors
- Screw fixings, elastic cords, or internal pockets
- Printed inserts and full-menu printing
Tailor each element to reflect your venue’s tone, from traditional to trendy.
Sizing Up: A4 vs A5 vs Slimline, Or Go For Custom Size
Menu cover sizes should be practical for your staff and comfortable for your customers. Here are the common formats to consider:
- A4: The most versatile size—spacious enough for multi-course menus, wine lists, or detailed cocktail selections.
- A5: Compact and space-saving—ideal for dessert lists, drinks menus, or concise food offerings.
- Slimline/Narrow: Stylish and modern—great for wine lists or specialist drinks menus.
Choosing the right size depends on the type of menu you’re presenting and the physical layout of your tables.
What is the most popular menu cover size?
Cafe, Bar, and restaurant menu covers come in many sizes to fit different needs, from bar menus to full restaurant menus.
| Paper Sizes | Description | ||||||
| A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches) | Standard size, suitable for various dining settings, and can hold extensive listings. | ||||||
| A5 (5.83 x 8.27 inches) | Half the size of A4, ideal for small menus like drink or dessert lists. | ||||||
| Two-Thirds A4 (7.87 x 11.69 inches) | Horizontal layout, functional for menus with images or side-by-side listings. | ||||||
| Half A4 (5.83 x 8.27 inches | Less width than A4 but the same height, suitable for moderately-sized menus. | ||||||
| A4 Landscape (11.69 x 8.27 inches | Horizontal layout, useful for menus with images or side-by-side listings. | ||||||
| Square (21cm x 21cm) | Unique and modern, often used in trendy or upscale places, works well with grid layouts. |
What are the different types of Menu Cover Fixing Options?
Menu cover fixings offer various options to secure and display your menus effectively. These options include:
Cord & Eyelet
- How it works: A cord is threaded through eyelets to secure menu pages.
- Advantages: Offers a classic and elegant look, easy to change pages.
- Typical uses: Suited for upscale dining establishments where aesthetics are essential.
Grip Fix
- How it works: Clamps or grips hold the menu pages in place.
- Advantages: Provides a secure hold, suitable for casual and formal dining settings.
- Typical uses: It can be used in various dining establishments, depending on the design of the grips.
Concealed Elasticated Cord
- How it works: Similar to elastic cord fixings but with the cords concealed for a cleaner look.
- Advantages: Combines the flexibility of elastic cords with a neater appearance.
- Typical uses: Can be used in various dining settings for a polished presentation.
Outer Screw Fix
- How it works: Menu pages are held in place with screws on the outer cover.
- Advantages: Offers a secure hold and presents a professional appearance.
- Typical uses: Commonly used in formal dining establishments with extensive menus.
Inner Screw Fix (Wing & Interscrew)
- How it works: Screws are used inside the menu cover to hold pages.
- Advantages: Keeps screws hidden for a clean and sleek look.
- Common Uses: Suited for formal dining settings looking for a polished appearance
Corner mounts
- How it Works: Menu pages are mounted in the corners of the cover.
- Advantages: Quick and easily secure pages, often used in casual to mid-range restaurants.
- Typical uses: Ideal for menus that change seasonally or frequently.
Additional information for Menu covers
Clear pockets additions
Clear pockets are ideal for easy menu changes, and with various sizes available, you can customise your menu to fit your needs perfectly.
Cleaning and storage
Cleaning covers is crucial to maintaining their appearance and longevity in hospitality. Regular cleaning keeps them looking fresh and helps prevent the buildup of dust, fingerprints, and spills that can accumulate over time. To clean them, start by using a soft, damp cloth. Wipe down the covers gently to remove surface dirt and smudges. For tougher stains or spills, it’s advisable to use a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution. Ensure that the cleaning solution is suitable for the specific material of your cover, whether made of vinyl, leather, or another type. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they can damage the surfaces.
After cleaning, proper drying is essential. Ensure that they’re thoroughly dried using a clean, dry cloth. This step is crucial in preventing moisture damage, which can lead to warping or deterioration over time.
Regarding storage, menu covers should be kept clean and dry. Avoid places with excessive dust or moisture, as these can negatively impact the covers’ condition. Placing a clean sheet of paper or cloth between them is a good practice if you need to stack multiple menus. This prevents scratching and sticking, which can occur when the covers are in direct contact. Also, direct exposure to sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided, as they can cause fading or warping of the menu.
We hope this article has helped you find a suitable menu cover for your business. Our menu covers are made to order, allowing you to personalise and design them to your specifications. Discuss your ideas with an expert on 01743 465 301 or email us at [email protected].
