What Do You Look For In Good Bar Staff?

[walpurgis]

The best thing is when years older you look back on it all with fondness and a gladness you did what you did.

I still do the things I did given the opportunity. Just less often.

I met a lot of nice females in pubs (and the occasional horror )

[struth]

I still do the things I did given the opportunity. Just less often.

I met a lot of nice females in pubs (and the occasional horror )

no real interest in such now. still like to see a pretty thing but thats it. Better sticking to music these days.

[alphaGT]

Back when I was management, I did some reflecting on what makes a good employee. These are not bar staff related, but more relate to all employees.

Intelligence is important, but not the most important. Work ethic, humbleness, loyalty, honesty, sense of humor, and a positive attitude are the qualities that make a good employee.

The test of a good bar keep? Ask them to make a martini, it’s so hard to get a decent martini these days! If they can do that, and make any odd drink you can name, is important. I do hate to go to a bar and order a drink, and they complain why can’t I want something simple, or they make it completely wrong, and call the manager if you complain, or spend 30 minutes trying to figure out how to make it. Or they stiffen your drink up, thinking they’re doing you a favor, but the drink is awful tasting. Stick to the recipe. Besides the personality traits, being knowledgeable about the craft is most important.

Russell

[Minstrel SE]

Thanks everyone. Ive been a bit busy with it all

I will see how it goes. the training to fit in is a very sketchy at the moment so Im worried. Its not a bar that even does Martinis so its a more limited selection of spirits beers and bottles. I have other duties so its a bit worrying and all over the place at the moment

Im not so sure now. I have a friendly people pleasing attitude but probably lack the cheeky banter that some customers will look for. Im ok but have more of a perfectionist and shyer nature than would be best for the job. Obviously there are still a wide range of people in a hotel bar and I dont have the stories to draw them in.

The deep truth is that Im more a backroom person but come out of myself with stricter working parameters.

Its a small bar so I will be centre stage and all eyes will be on me as people unwind plus I have to keep checking on other duties so Im fast going off the idea.

Ive been watching people getting tanked on Tequila shots and wonder If I can handle the customer service side of how alcohol affects things.

What can seem like a simpler job isnt really. A good barman oozes confidence and Im feeling quite anxious about it

I will give it a go but cant see it lasting long. Theres a lot of hotel staff politics going on and its not an enviroment Im used to on the serving side of things.

So with no real experience Im going to look a bit awkward. I think the guy training me sees me as a bit of a threat to job positions so its all looking a bit Hmmmmm at the moment. Im going to get thrown in the deep end and there are clearly people who wouldnt mind if I failed.

I have the big test on Sunday and havent even been given a bar log in yet so it aint looking good

I have noted all your comments though. Cheers

[Marco]

Unfortunately, Martin, that doesn't sound too promising.... However, I do hope that it turns out to be something you're happy doing, as if not, it's not really worth the grief, if it's just to earn some extra 'pocket money'.

Marco.

[tapid]

In keeping with other comments here, if it all goes belly up you could always pull the barmaid and make a quick exit. Good luck

[Pigmy Pony]

Don't be so hard on yourself Martin, the 'banter' will come with experience, and better to start off a little reserved than overly familiar with people - not everyone likes that from someone they barely know.

The fact that you're worrying about this shows you care, and that goes a long way in my book. I wish you well.

[Macca]

You'll be fine. It's quite a fun job once you get the hang of it and that doesn't take much.

[Pigmy Pony]

I agree. 6 months from now you may be back here telling us how you're glad you stuck it out, and how you've met loads of interesting people, who were not always dog rough.

[Marco]

I agree with all of the above, and hope Martin's new job is a great success. However, even as an eternal optimist, this bit worries me:

I think the guy training me sees me as a bit of a threat to job positions so its all looking a bit Hmmmmm at the moment. Im going to get thrown in the deep end and there are clearly people who wouldnt mind if I failed.

Unfortunately, regardless of anything else, and even if you turn out to be 'barman of the year', that bit remains out with of your control. If what you say is true, then if you are to stay in the job and derive satisfaction from it, you're somehow going to have to get the people you've mentioned on your side.

Marco.