The bar and pub trade is one that has been around for centuries. The lives of bartenders can be hectic and fast paced at the best of times. In this article we will look at the different challenges of the job as well as the inevitable perks and factors that make it an altogether unique profession.
Knowing The Regulars
One of the most notable things you will recognise from working as a bartender is the regulars in your bar. All bartenders will have some regulars they know in some shape or form who come into the bar often. These customers are likely to be well known often for good or bad reasons. Regulars in pubs help add character and life to otherwise quiet establishments.
Although regular customers can be a handful they are often better behaved than most as they know if they overstep the mark they won’t be allowed back. Although equally they may try and get more discount or freebies due to their loyalty in the pub or bar. Overall regulars are generally great friends and are the lifeblood of most bars , restaurants and pubs.
Managing The Bar
Of course the main challenge of being a bartender is managing the bar and ensuring that everyone is getting served. Often bars and pubs which have high demand are constantly serving and have little time to divide up for cleaning and overall maintenance. Therefore it is important that the bar is well managed to ensure that cleaning is conducted quickly and effectively as well as consistent and fast service.
Managing the bar can be difficult task, especially when there is staffing shortages and a lack of supplies to deal with demand. For example on some occasions bars can run out of certain types of alcoholic beverages due to high overall demand for them.
Another key aspect of managing the bar is safety. It is a bartender’s responsibility to ensure that patrons are safe inside their bar. Therefore if someone is clearly overly intoxicated it is important not to serve them. Doing this could lead to prosecution if they then go on to commit a criminal offence or endanger themselves and others.
Being Skilled In Their Role
For bartenders , being skilled within their role is a symbol of pride as well as efficiency. Bartenders who are skilled in their role typically have an excellent overall working knowledge of the menu and a great understanding of how to pour the drinks they serve and also specialise in cocktails.
Increasingly many bars and restaurants are ensuring that their staff are multi-skilled. This means that they can serve food as well as drinks and wait tables in addition to managing their bar. This can help the company that employs them to save on overall costs.
Overall in conclusion it is clear that bartenders have a wide range of character traits and skills which make them highly competent at what they do. Although having said this it is important that they receive adequate training in order for them to be effective overall.