Bridge vs T-Bar Beer Fonts: A Buying Guide
Choose the right Bridge or T-Bar for your bar
Compare Bridge, T-Bar and Lowrider beer fonts for your bar. Check outlet counts, mounting, dimensions and tap options, with real Harry Mason installations.
Bridge or T-Bar: which design suits your bar?
A Bridge carries its horizontal dispense body on two supports. A T-Bar carries the outlets on one central support. Both bring several drinks together in a single font; the choice depends on your required outlet count, counter space, sightlines and fixing positions. Lowrider versions reduce the height of the corresponding design.
| Design | Support arrangement | Listed outlet counts | Planning consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bridge | Two end supports | 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 | A taller bridge form, with two support positions to plan around. |
| Lowrider Bridge | Two end supports, reduced-height body | 4, 5, 6 and 8 | A lower bridge profile; check tap, glass and badge clearances. |
| Standard T-Bar | One central support | 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 | A central fixing position; the horizontal bar and drip tray still need counter space. |
| Lowrider T-Bar | One central support, reduced-height tower | 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 | A lower central-support design; allow clearance for the selected taps and handles. |
These are the currently published outlet counts. “Way” means the number of dispense outlets: for example, a 6-way font has six outlets. Choose the number of drinks you need to serve, then compare the matching sizes.
Compare dimensions using the correct measurement
Overall width, horizontal span, body height and outlet centreline height describe different measurements. Use the individual product drawing and dimension table for the exact size and mounting option you are ordering.
| Design | Width measurement | Height measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 6-way Standard Bridge | Overall width: 940 through-the-bar; 985 clamp-on, including clamps | Body height from support base flange: 396, excluding handles and clamp blocks |
| 6-way Lowrider Bridge | Overall width: 940 through-the-bar; 985 clamp-on, including clamps | Body height from support base flange: 135, excluding handles and clamp blocks |
| 6-way Standard T-Bar | Horizontal span marked on drawing: 715 | Bar top to outlet centreline: 317.5 through-the-bar; 367.5 clamp-on |
| 6-way Lowrider T-Bar | Horizontal span marked on drawing: 715 | Bar top to outlet centreline: 82.5 through-the-bar; 132.5 clamp-on |
The height figures above use different reference points and are not directly comparable overall installed heights. A T-Bar drawing span is not a complete installed footprint. Allow for taps, handles, badge holders, drip tray, fixings and access below the bar. Flange diameter is not a drilling-hole size. Confirm fixing details before cutting or drilling the counter.
How much room do I need?
Measure the usable counter width and depth, access beneath it, and clearance to shelves, screens or the back bar. Check room for glasses under the selected taps and for full handle movement. A Lowrider reduces the body profile but does not remove these clearance requirements.
Through-the-bar or clamp-on mounting?
Through-the-bar: plan the fixing positions, counter penetrations and service routes below the bar. A Bridge has two supports; a T-Bar has a central support. Obtain the fixing details for your chosen product before preparing the counter.
Clamp-on: check the counter edge, underside clearance and whether the bar construction is suitable. Clamp-on assemblies add height and occupy space above and below the counter. A quoted below-bar projection is a clearance dimension, not a maximum permitted worktop thickness.
Beer-line sizes and cooling connections
The mounting selector combines the fixing method with a 3/16-inch or 5/16-inch beer-line choice. Match this to the planned dispense system with your installer. Line size alone does not determine the correct flow: line length, pressure, temperature and the selected tap also matter.
Bridge listings specify a beer-line loom with water recirculation lines. Confirm the cooling connections, line routes and complete equipment specification for your chosen model. A beer font is the bar-mounted dispense assembly; it does not by itself provide a complete keg storage, gas and refrigeration system.
Choose taps and understand what is supplied
The current ranges offer Prestige Classic Tap Matching Handle, Compensator Tap and Compensator with Nozzle configurations. Choose the listed option appropriate to your dispense system; contact Harry Mason if you need advice on the tap or nozzle arrangement.
T-Bar “No Tap” option: dispense taps are excluded. Choose it only when you intend to supply compatible taps separately. Bridge listings currently offer three tap configurations and do not list a No Tap option.
These listings include a drip tray and the mounting components applicable to the selected installation. Product photographs illustrate configurations; the selectors determine the finish, mounting, line size and tap option ordered. Confirm custom lenses, artwork, lighting, electrical supply and any additional installation equipment against the individual product specification.
Which finishes can I order?
The ranges list chrome, copper, brass/gold, antique brass, antique copper/bronze and black finishes. Availability depends on the product and configuration. Use its selectors rather than a photograph or colour chart to choose your order. Ask about custom finishes and branding separately.
Can I use the same installation drawing for a standard and Lowrider font?
Use the drawing for the exact design, size and mounting option. Shared widths do not mean the heights or installation details are interchangeable.
See Bridge and T-Bar fonts installed
These photographs are from our installation gallery. They show specific examples rather than every finish or tap configuration.
Chrome clamp-on bridge
Eight-way chrome bridge beer font with clamp-on mounting.
Black bridge and Aston beer engines
10-way black bridge font with two Aston through-the-bar beer engines, finished in black with self-colour handles.
Dirty Cow, Lichfield
Five-way chrome T-bar beer font with clamp-on mounting at the Dirty Cow, Lichfield.
The Dirty Cow photograph shows a five-way chrome clamp-on T-Bar. For an aged iron example, see the installation gallery and contact us about that finish; it is not one of the six standard finish labels listed above.
Get help choosing your beer font
Send us your required outlet count, counter measurements, preferred finish, mounting method and existing dispense-system details. We can help you check the appropriate product and installation requirements.
Contact Harry Mason or call 0121 328 5900. Browse all beer fonts or see more installations.