Hospitality behind the bar
Working the bar can be tough mentally and physically. So how do you maintain composure, give good service and be hospitable? All while slinging hundreds of drinks on a daily basis.
We already covered the fact of taking care of yourself and your clothing. If your first appearance is shabby, the game is lost.
Your patrons at the bar come to escape their miserable lives or want to indulge in some kind of social bubble. What can you do to offer an ultimate guest experience?
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Be open, welcoming and smiling
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Know your menu and recipes for all drinks on your menu
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Do NOT cater to every need of a difficult and annoying guest
This last one might need some explanation.
We have all guests to serve and care about. Some guests might have unreasonable or impossible requests. This person makes it impossible for you to care for others in your bar and without a doubt will make you less happy. Do not ‘crouch on all fours’ making something happen for the needy guest when it is not reasonable. It takes away from the right other patrons have to receive 100% commitment of the bartender.
Some other advice:
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Stay in control of your bar. This includes guests, money and conversations.
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Anticipate on guests needs, know what they want before they realize it.
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Refrain from your opinions on delicate subjects
Personal note:
For me, hospitality behind the bar is more than just making drinks. It is about being a ‘gentleman’. Otherwise they might as well put a robot behind the bar. Taking care of people like friends, being bubbly and let people have a good time.
When this is threatened by any situation or guest, my advice is to speak up and hold your ground.
It might make 1 or 2 patrons unhappy, but you save the others from being affected by it and more importantly: you feel better about yourself.
Sincerely,
Den The Man
