How to be a mindful customer and make your bartender’s shift a lot easier

There’s nothing quite like a night out with friends at a local bar.

There's something special about the lively atmosphere, the clinking of glasses, and the buzz of conversations that you just can’t replicate at home.

A massive part of the appeal of the bar is the staff which make it a welcoming environment for customers.

From their ability to create delicious cocktails to their exceptional customer service, bartenders are the heart and soul of the bar.

There are little actions you can take which have a big impact on making your bartender’s life a lot easier.

We spoke to Claire who runs the bar upskill sessions at our Edinburgh training academy about the top ways you can be a mindful customer.

Firstly, if you’re coming up to the bar to order drinks, it’s really helpful if you can bring your empty glasses with you.

“This saves me a trip and means I can be back on the bar quicker to serve you drinks faster,” Claire notes.

If you’re coming with a long order of drinks, use the notes app or a scrap of paper.

“We’ve all been to a bar or restaurant where the hospitality staff memorise your long and complicated order. Well, this takes practice!” Claire laughs.

“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!”

If you and a friend want two of the same cocktail, but want to pay separately it’s helpful for your bartender to make the cocktails in one batch. Simply order the two drinks, and mention when ordering that you’re paying separately.

“We teach our bartenders to be efficient when making rounds of drinks,” Claire explains.

“If you order two of the same drink, I can then make a larger batch of the cocktail, which is quicker for you than making them both separately.”

We all have our own favourite drinks, and our own specific way of making them.

Good bartenders will always accommodate your needs, but it’s helpful to be upfront about what you want.

“If you have a specific way you’d like your drink prepared, I’ll happy accommodate you – but it’s better if you tell me before I start making your drink,” Claire expands.

And if you’re trying to make your bartenders shift a little easier, there are maybe a few things you should leave to the professionals.

After all, they are trained in the art of hospitality, so trying to lift an entire tray of pints yourself may end in some spilled drinks, chuckles Claire.

“If you offer help, customers sometimes give you a look to say ‘challenge accepted’… and then immediately drop the entire thing and expect an entire tray of free refills. It’s much easier to just take what you can manage.”

Finally, no-one likes waiting in a queue, but remembering that the person serving you is a trained professional means you’re likely to stay polite.

“As hospitality professionals we’re here to serve you, so I think clicking fingers at a bartender is just plain rude,” says Claire.

“Trust that the bartender serving is a professional, and will be keeping an eye on who’s next to be served.”

“We teach new bartenders that saying a quick “I’ll be right with you” can really help reassure customers that they’ve been seen,” she explains further.

So, whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or looking for a place to unwind after a long day, the bar is the perfect place to be.