We've all been there on a night out - jostling your way to the front of the bar and shouting over the music to get your next round of pints or cocktails in.
But when you're trying to get a drink in a packed bar, it might be all too easy to forget your manners towards those working behind the bar - who often work well into the early hours pulling pints, cleaning up spills and memorising dozens of cocktails. There are a few key things to remember when it comes to the way you treat your bartender, according to someone who has likely had more than her fair share of nightmare customers.
Claire Twist, event bartender and bar training upskill at the Off to Work academy in Edinburgh, told the Daily Record that there are some things punters should always avoid doing or saying to people behind the bar. The worse offence, the expert said, is clicking your fingers to get the attention of a member of staff.
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"As hospitality professionals we’re here to serve you, but I think clicking fingers at a bartender is just plain rude!" Claire admitted. "The same goes for leaning right across the bar, trying to get served next.
"Trust that the bartender serving is a professional, and will be keeping an eye on who’s next to be served. I teach new bartenders that a quick 'I’ll be right with you' can help reassure customers that they've been seen."
Another thing to avoid if you want to ruin your bartender's night is putting your used chewing gum in the bottom of your drinking glass. "Either people don’t realise that someone has to put their hand in to collect the used gum, or they don't care," Claire said.
"One simple rule: if you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in a bar!" You might think you're safe if you work in a bar yourself or have experience bartending - but bringing this up to staff at your local bar is a big no-no, according to Claire.
"If I had a pound for every time someone has said 'I work in a bar you know' or 'I do it like this actually'. If you have a specific way you'd like your drink prepared, I’ll happily accommodate you – but it's better if you tell me before I start making your drink," she explained.
If you want to make your bartender's life easier, there is one key thing that you can do if you're out with your mates and are going to put in a complicated drinks order. Claire advised: "We’ve all been to a bar or restaurant where the hospitality staff memorise your long and complicated order. Well, this takes practice!
"If you have a long list of drinks, don’t try to remember it. Use your notes app or a piece of paper and write it down. At the very least, you’re saving yourself any hassle if you forget your mate’s drink."
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