Unspoken rules and unknown pub etiquette that makes bartenders like customers

While many Brits think they could pull the perfect pint, bartenders say a few simple habits, like knowing your order before reaching the bar, can make you every bartender’s favourite customer

Do you want to make the bartender at your favourite pub like you? An expert has spilled the beans.

For many of us, the pub is a place to unwind. As a result, we can spend time hovering at the bar or taking our time ordering rounds, but, according to bartenders, there are a few simple habits that pubgoers could do to make the process that bit smoother.

Research shows that 45% of Brits reckon they could pull a perfect pint on their first try – suggesting that we might be underestimating just how much skill goes into working behind the bar. While we, as customers, try to be considerate, there can sometimes be a gap between what we think is helpful and what actually makes the service run more smoothly.

To shine a light on the unspoken rules of ordering, Todd N, North London Account Manager at Beavertown , spoke with brand-associated bartenders to get insider tips straight from the people pouring your pints. These simple gestures will make you every bartender’s favourite customer.

According to Todd, timing is everything. He said: “It’s a great help if you have your order in mind before approaching the bar – it’s a small thing, but when the queue is three people deep, extra seconds or minutes add up.

“When ordering, it’s also useful to know that stouts like Guinness take more time to settle. Make sure to order these first, and then we can let it sit while we pour everything else.

“Pouring pints is the most satisfying part of the job, and for that reason, multiple pint orders are a dream. Fancier drinks like cocktails can always be brought over to your table, and don’t hold up the queue too much.”

Beyond knowing how and what to order, there are a handful of simple gestures that bartenders really appreciate.

Todd said: “We love to chat when we have a spare minute – pub work is very social, and that’s part of the fun.

“During busy periods, when we’re on short deadlines to make sure each customer is getting served, a bit of patience goes a long way.

“Kindness is everything and you 100% get back what you put in.

“By all means, tell us if you’re having a bad day, and we’ll do what we can to improve it, but remember, we’re not qualified therapists.

“We’re just happy to offer you a space to relax and wind down.”

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