Nights out can get out of hand, especially when alcohol is involved, but one person you never want to anger is the person behind the bar serving you drinks.
Bartenders endure long and late shifts, tidying messy bars and mixing endless cocktails but many love the job and become friendly with the local patrons - that is, if the patrons are polite and friendly back.
With alcohol removing any inhibitions, bartenders can be faced with customers trying to make their lives harder. One mixologist has shared the worst thing you can do and say as a customer trying to order a drink.
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Clair Twist, an event bartender and bar training upskill at the Off to Work Edinburgh academy, said boasting about previous experience is a sure-fire way to annoy the staff.
Speaking to The Daily Record, she explained: "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."
This is equal in annoyance as trying to attract the bartender's attention by clicking fingers or other impolite movements. Claire assured that those behind the bar already know who is due to be served next, without any distracting motions.
She added: "As hospitality professionals we're here to serve you, but I think clicking fingers at a bartender is just plain rude! 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."
For anyone wanting to freshen their breath, opt for a mint rather than gum as chewing gum left in the bottom of a glass could ruin your bartender's night.
Claire said she was unsure if people realised or "don't care" but a staff member has to put their hand in the glass to fish out your chewed up gum.
Finally big orders came under fire by the bartender as she said these are best given in writing or your drink could be forgotten. She said: "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."
Cocktails are easier to make in batches so if you're ordering in a group check if you're getting the same drink as someone else, even if you're paying separately. This can save you and your bartender time and energy, allowing you to get back to your friends quicker.
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