Running a pub is hard work, and while most customers are great, there are some things pub-goers do that drive owners crazy.
Sure, go out and enjoy your pint and have a laugh, but treat the place, or the people who work there, with respect and consideration. Here are 16 things you might be doing without realising it—and why it gets under the owners’ skin.
1. Not ordering at the bar
Some people think they can just sit at a table and wait for service, but pubs usually expect you to order at the bar. When you don’t, it slows everything down and creates confusion. Owners hate it because it messes with the flow of service and leaves other customers waiting unnecessarily.
2. Hogging tables without buying anything
Pubs are busy places, especially during peak hours, and when you sit at a table for hours without ordering much, it hurts business. Owners rely on turnover to keep things running smoothly. If you’re going to sit for a while, at least keep ordering drinks or food to make it worth their while.
3. Complaining about prices
Pubs aren’t cheap to run—between staff, rent, and stock, the costs add up. When customers moan about the price of a pint, it’s frustrating for owners who are just trying to keep the place going. If you think it’s too expensive, don’t complain to the staff—just go somewhere else.
4. Bringing outside food and drinks
This should be obvious, but people still do it. Bringing your own snacks or drinks into a pub is a big no-no. It’s disrespectful to the business and its staff, and it takes money out of the pub’s pocket. If you’re hungry or thirsty, order from the menu like everyone else.
5. Leaving a mess
Whether it’s spilling drinks or leaving rubbish all over the table, making a mess and expecting staff to clean it up is frustrating. Pub staff work hard to keep things tidy, and when customers are careless, it makes their job a lot harder. Owners hate seeing their pub look like a disaster zone.
6. Ordering complicated drinks during rush hour
When the pub is packed, ordering a drink that takes five minutes to make—like a fancy cocktail—slows everything down. Bartenders are trying to keep up with orders, and your request for something complicated just adds to the chaos. Stick to simple drinks when it’s busy, and save the fancy stuff for quieter times.
7. Moving furniture around
It might seem harmless to push some chairs together or move a table, but owners hate it. Furniture is usually set up in a way that maximises space, and moving it messes up the flow. Plus, it can be a safety issue if things get too crowded.
8. Not tipping the staff
Pub staff work hard, and tips are a big part of their income. When customers don’t tip, especially after great service, it’s disheartening for the staff. Owners know how important tipping is for their employees, so when it doesn’t happen, it’s frustrating for everyone involved.
9. Staying after closing time
When the pub’s closing, it’s time to go home. Staying past closing time holds up the staff, who have to clean up and close down the place. Owners hate having to ask people to leave over and over when it should be clear the night is done.
10. Letting kids run wild
Pubs are generally relaxed places, but that doesn’t mean kids should be running around unsupervised. When parents let their kids go wild, it creates chaos and disrupts other customers. Pub owners hate it because it can create liability issues and annoy the rest of the patrons.
11. Standing in the way
Pubs can get crowded, but blocking the bar, doorways, or walkways makes it worse. When people stand in the way, it’s hard for staff to move around, and it frustrates other customers trying to get through. Owners need the flow of the pub to keep moving, and being in the way slows everything down.
12. Bringing large groups without warning
If you show up with a big group unannounced, it puts a lot of pressure on the pub’s staff. It’s harder to find seating, the kitchen gets overwhelmed, and it throws off the usual pace of service. Owners appreciate it when you call ahead or make a reservation for large groups.
13. Being rude to staff
This one should be obvious, but it happens more than it should. Being rude or disrespectful to pub staff doesn’t just hurt morale—it can ruin the atmosphere for everyone. Pub owners hate seeing their staff mistreated and will often step in when customers cross the line.
14. Letting your dog cause chaos
Many pubs are dog-friendly, but that doesn’t mean your dog should be out of control. If your dog is barking non-stop, bothering other customers, or making a mess, it’s a problem. Owners want to keep the space welcoming for everyone, including dog owners, but it’s hard to do that if your pet isn’t well-behaved.
15. Sneaking in extra guests
Bringing in extra people without letting the pub know can be a big issue, especially when space is tight. It throws off seating arrangements, the staff-to-customer ratio, and makes everything feel crowded. Owners appreciate a heads-up when your party size changes to avoid these issues.
16. Trying to haggle on prices
Pubs aren’t a flea market. Trying to haggle over drink or food prices is just insulting to the owners. The prices are set for a reason, and negotiating over them is a waste of time. If you think something is too expensive, you’re better off taking your business elsewhere.
