The common pub habit that makes you every bartender’s least favourite punter

In a busy pub, timing is everything (Picture: Getty Images) There’s a code of conduct when it comes to pubs: never form a line, put a coin on the side of the pool table to reserve a spot, and resist the urge to rob your glass. Another is to always know what you want to order before you approach the bar, making sure not to hold everyone else up while you umm and ah. ‘It’s a small thing, but when the queue is three people deep, extra seconds or minutes add up,’ says Todd N, North London Account Manager at Beavertown. This may seem obvious, but staff see this unspoken rule broken time and time again, so some people clearly need a refresher on proper boozer etiquette. Lisa Williams, landlady of The Cricketers Pub in Farncombe, Surrey, tells Metro: ‘You can always spot the customers who haven’t thought about what they order until they get to me. They stare at me then start thinking, it drives me crazy!’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. According to Phil McAree, general manager of the Hoop and Grapes in Clerkenwell, ‘novice drinkers’ and the ‘part-time’ crowd who only come in at Christmas are typically guilty of this. The easier you make things for the bar staff, the more they’ll warm to you (Picture: Getty Images) ‘It’s a bit frustrating because our team are drilled to cope with big orders, but they need the order so they can figure out what the best way to go about it,’ he tells Metro. ‘So if you’ve got someone who’s like “I’ll have this, and then have a little think about it, and then, oh yeah, so and so wanted this”, it makes it a lot slower. ‘All bar staff are aiming to do is just deliver that round of drinks as quickly as possible, and move on to the next punter.’ Having come from a family of publicans and with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Phil is well used to indecisive customers, to the point he no longer gets annoyed. What do you think is the most important bar etiquette? Always know your order before approaching the barCheck Return your glass to the bar after finishingCheck Be polite and patient with the staffCheck Order complex drinks like Guinness firstCheck Sign up to Metro's The Slice newsletter for your guide to what's on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways. He notes that the clientele at the Hoop and Grapes, a Grade II listed spot which he reopened this month after it closed in 2019, largely ‘tend to know what they want’ — but even if they don’t, ‘at the end of the day, they’re paying our wages’. Still, Phil says that in the hospitality world, certain things ‘endear you to people a lot more’, and politeness is key. To become a bartender’s absolute favourite though, bring your glass back once you’re done. ‘There’s something magical about it,’ he explains. ‘We’re like, “wow, what an amazing person”, falling over ourselves. It’s our job to go and get the empty glasses, but it’s sort of like a little token of thanks.’ The perfect pub punter According to Phil, the best customers in a pub have a few traits in common: They’re polite and empathetic. They know what they want when they approach the bar. They bring their empty glasses back. They’re up for a chat when it’s quieter, but understanding if staff are stretched. They know how to drink (aka, ‘someone who can put a few away and not turn into some sort of drooling monster’). They support and enjoy the place — because ‘the more people you can garner like that, the better the pub is going to be for it’. Order Guinness first Alongside having your order ready when you reach the bar, the order you ask for the drinks is also important; specifically, stout (such as Guinness) should always come first. Dougal Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis and Gunn, tells Metro: ‘They’re never a quick hand-over like a lager or a spirit and mixer, so ordering the stout first means the bartender can pour it, let it settle, and get on with the rest of the order at the same time. ‘You’re back at the table quicker, and it helps bar staff keep things moving when it’s busy.’ Stout, such as Guinness, needs time to settle (Picture: Getty Images) As Becky McCabe, co-founder at drinks brand training app, Brandee, notes, it takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness — and that two minutes makes all the difference in a busy pub. By giving them that bit of extra notice, she says ‘the team will quietly love you,’ telling Metro: ‘It makes service smoother, eases the pressure behind the bar, and marks you down as a top customer.’ And in contrast to a 2025 YouGov poll which found that 45% of Brits reckon they could get it right on their first try, Lisa says: ‘The ones who order Guinness last have obviously never poured a pint of it in their life.’ Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you ‘I could serve twice as fast if everyone knew what they wanted and ordered the tricky ones first,’ she adds. ‘Luckily I’ve managed to train my regulars well.’ Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Pubs in Westminster could soon be urged to discourage ordering at the bar Arrow MORE: Espresso martinis are out, there’s a new coffee cocktail taking over bars Arrow MORE: I’m encouraging everyone to order a Foster’s Top – here’s why The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.