Working behind a bar is probably tough anywhere, but in the UK, it can be brutal.
Whether it’s handling packed Friday nights (or any night the footy is being streamed), dealing with drunk and aggressive customers, or dealing with people who act like they own the place, bartenders put up with a lot. And while most people think they’re decent pub-goers, chances are, you’ve done something that’s annoyed the staff without realising it. If you’ve ever wondered what bartenders secretly wish you’d stop doing, here are some of the things that drive them mad — and yes, you’ve probably been guilty of at least one.
1. Waving money or snapping your fingers to get served
There’s nothing that says, “I think I’m more important than everyone else” quite like waving a twenty at the bar staff or clicking your fingers at them. It doesn’t make them serve you faster; in fact, it probably makes them ignore you for longer.
Bartenders work in an order. They see you, even if they haven’t made eye contact yet. A bit of patience goes a long way, and trust us, you’ll get your pint much quicker if you just wait your turn like everyone else.
2. Ordering complicated cocktails in a packed pub
There’s a time and a place for fancy drinks, and it’s probably not at 10pm on a Saturday in a busy Wetherspoons. When the bar is packed, ordering a mojito or an espresso martini slows everything down and makes you that customer.
If you’re somewhere that specialises in cocktails, fair enough, but in a pub where most people are ordering pints and gin and tonics, it’s best to keep it simple. If you really want that elaborate drink, at least go to the bar at a quieter moment.
3. Taking forever to decide when you’ve had ages to think
You’ve been standing in the queue for five minutes, yet when you finally get to the front, you suddenly have no idea what you want. Cue the bartender standing there while you umm and ahh, trying to decide between a pint of Carling or a cider.
There’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to choose, but if you’re keeping people waiting, you’re going to get some serious eye-rolls. If you’re in a round, know what everyone wants before you get to the bar — it’s basic pub etiquette.
4. Ordering one drink at a time when you’re in a group
Few things annoy bar staff more than someone ordering their pint, waiting for it to be poured, then saying, “Oh, and can I get a vodka and coke too?” Followed by, “Actually, my mate wants a gin and tonic.” And then, “Oh wait, I forgot one more.”
Order everything in one go if you possibly can. It saves time for everyone, including you. Nobody enjoys being stuck behind a slow-ordering group, and bartenders definitely don’t enjoy making five separate drinks when they could have done it in one round.
5. Complaining about prices like the bartender set them
Yes, pub prices have gone up. No, it’s not the bartender’s fault. Rolling your eyes, scoffing, or saying “I could get a whole bottle for that price” isn’t going to change the cost of your drink — it just makes you look like a grumpy punter.
If you don’t like the prices, take it up with the pub owner, not the person pulling your pint. Or, better yet, accept that times have changed and enjoy your overpriced beer like the rest of us.
6. Holding up the queue while you count out coins
Yes, cash is still a thing, and sometimes you want to get rid of all that shrapnel weighing down your wallet. But when the bar is heaving, slowly counting out 43p in 2p and 1p coins is going to get you some serious death stares.
Try to have your money ready, and if you’re paying with cash, at least make it quick. If you’re short a few pence, just use contactless like everyone else — it’s faster, easier, and saves everyone the headache.
7. Expecting free drinks just because you’re flirting
Flirting with the bartender in hopes of a free drink is one of the most painfully predictable moves, and trust us, they’ve seen it all before. They’re smiling because it’s their job, not because they’re about to pour you a free double.
If they do give you a freebie, great — but don’t act like it’s a guaranteed reward for winking at them. And no, saying “I bet you get this all the time” doesn’t make it any less cringe-worthy.
8. Blocking the bar when you’re not ordering
Hanging around the bar when you’ve already got your drink is an absolute nightmare for both staff and customers trying to order. If you’re chatting with your mates or just lingering, move out of the way and let people through.
It’s even worse when someone stands right in front of the taps, completely unaware they’re blocking the whole operation. If you’re not ordering, find somewhere else to loiter — you’ll be doing everyone a favour.
9. Acting shocked when it’s last orders
Every pub has a closing time, and every pub does last orders. Yet there’s always someone who acts completely outraged when the bell rings. “What? Already?” Yes, already — it’s the same time as every other night.
Even worse are the ones who beg for “just one more” after time’s up. If the lights are up and the chairs are being stacked, it’s time to go home. The staff have been on their feet for hours; they don’t need you dragging out their shift.
10. Leaving your table like a war zone
Nobody expects you to clean the entire pub, but leaving your table covered in half-empty glasses, food wrappers, and spilled drinks is just plain lazy. If you’ve knocked something over, at least let the staff know, rather than pretending it didn’t happen.
A quick tidy-up or bringing your empty glasses back to the bar takes no effort but makes a huge difference. Bartenders have enough to deal with without having to clear up your personal disaster zone at the end of the night.
Being a good customer isn’t hard — it’s just about being aware of your surroundings, showing a bit of patience, and treating bar staff like actual humans. They’re the ones keeping your night running smoothly, so the least you can do is make their job a little easier. And who knows? Maybe next time, they’ll even serve you first.
