Maybe you’re just starting out or perhaps you’ve been in the game for a while; whatever your position, it never hurts to seek a little advice from those who’ve been performing at the peak of the industry. We spoke to the bartenders and operators who are at the top of their game to find out what tips they had for bartenders just starting out, and the one thing that bartenders do that drives them nuts.
Bonnie Shearston
Owner, Public, Brisbane
3 tips for rookies
1. Read a lot.
2. Listen a lot.
3. Drink a lot (responsibly, I don’t mean all in one go).
On service
Make sure you read your customers well. Not all of your guests will want to engage in a mammoth conversation about the ins and outs of what they are about to consume, some of them just want to drink. Never tell a customer what they ought to be drinking, if you see a window to encourage them in a different direction by all means go for it, just be tactful in the way you do it. And last but most importantly to me, smile, it goes a very, very long way.
What do you wish bartenders wouldn’t do?
Selective service! Everyone at the bar is a guest in your house, treat them all equally and with respect, don’t favour the pretty ladies over the shabby looking lone ranger at the end of your bar. After all, he is more likely to tip and you probably won’t get their number anyway!
Sean Chow
2013 Bartender of the Year, The Gresham, Brisbane
3 tips for rookies
1. Get a mentor (or mentors).
2. Read a lot.
3. Practise, practise, practise.
On service
Service is like any other skill, it improves with practice and dedication. It helps to look at bartenders you respect and see how they interact and treat their patrons, and taking bits and pieces and making it your own.
Also every customer is different, so you must learn to get good at reading customers based on things like their body language, style of dress, personality archetype, vocabulary they use, etc, and tailor the experience you present to that individual or group.
What do you wish bartenders wouldn’t do?
Getting stuck on the train of thought that what they have been taught is the only way to do things and being pretentious about it. Sure there is certain etiquette and technique that is considered ‘correct’, but there are always ways to improve and different methods to the same result.
Joe Sinagra
Bar Manager, Bobeche, Perth
Top 10 Bartender of the Year 2013
3 tips for rookies
1. Learn the basics.
2. Learn how to interact with people. A big part of the job is dealing with people, both co-workers and guests. Keep them happy and your job is a lot easier.
3. Have an outlet where you can switch off from work.
On service
Work clean, work fast and try to have fun. Keeping clean will keep you fast and keeping fast will keep your guests happy. At the end of the day the aim should be to make as many of your guests as happy as possible. As for the fun part, if you’re entertaining and fun to watch work your guests will enjoy being served by you.
What do you wish bartenders wouldn’t do?
Particularly in Perth you see a lot of bartenders getting job offers to take on roles they don’t have the proper experience or skills to take on. Some people thrive under pressure but a lot don’t. Loads of guys burn out or change jobs after a very short period of time. I’d really advocate finding a role where you’re able to learn and grow within a supportive structure.