Passport to the Pub
The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox

From
http://www.sirc.org/publik/pub.html , a scientific description of
British pub behaviour
(also as PDF at http://www.sirc.org/publik/passport.pdf ) Definitely
worth reading for any pubgoer.


<blockquote>
One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
take their order. In most cases, a friendly native will put them out of
their misery by explaining rule number one, or they will figure it out
for themselves, but in a busy pub it can be some time before the correct
procedure becomes clear.

....

Research findings: In observation-studies, we timed first-time tourists
to find out exactly how long it would take them to discover the
no-waiter-service rule. The fastest time - just under two-and-a-half
minutes - was achieved by a sharp-eyed American couple. The slowest €“
over 45 minutes €“ involved a group of six young Italians. This group did
not, however, seem particularly concerned about the apparent lack of
service, being engrossed in a lively debate about football. Sympathy
should go to the French couple who marched out of the pub, complaining
bitterly to each other about the poor service and British manners in
general, after a 24-minute wait. </blockquote>

"Tim Vanhoof" > wrote in message ...
> Passport to the Pub
> The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox

I bought this book when it was published in 1996.

Quite amusing, until I got to this bit, on p52:

=====
The organisers of a three-day Real Ale festival in Belfast
claimed that the event was "a great success", boasting that they
had run out of beer during the final day. But local drinkers, when
we asked for their comments, pointed out that the beer was free.
"People here will drink anything if it's given to them for nothing" said
one cynical pubgoer.
=====

In fact the beer wasn't free, but admission to the hall was free
on the last day because there wasn't much beer left. I know this
because was there all week, as a volunteer.


Robin

Following up to Tim Vanhoof

>One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
>depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
>sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
>take their order.

I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
could well be confused.
Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

> <blockquote>
> One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
> depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
> sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
> take their order. In most cases, a friendly native will put them out of
> their misery by explaining rule number one, or they will figure it out
> for themselves, but in a busy pub it can be some time before the correct
> procedure becomes clear.
>
Most British landlords worth their salt will approach the group and
ask them whether they will be ordering a drink , or whether they just
want to put their feet up at his expense.

That usually resolves the problem quite quickly.
Dave

In article >, Reid©
> writes
>Following up to Tim Vanhoof
>
>>One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
>>depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
>>sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
>>take their order.
>
>I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
>pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
>could well be confused.
>Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
>of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?

Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
busier pubs.

I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
that are taking their own sweet time.

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

Reid© > wrote in message >. ..
> Following up to Tim Vanhoof
>
> >One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
> >depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
> >sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
> >take their order.
>
> I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
> pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
> could well be confused.
> Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
> of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?

It takes a finite amount of time. The confusion comes in that
it is not uncommon for folks in other lands to order from the
bar, especially if they aren't planning on using a table (playing
pool, darts, whatever). So just because I see someone ordering
from the bar, doesn't mean it is what I need to do. Furthermore,
if they are anticipating food orders, many bars "over here"
don't want you to order from the bar so that the table service
can earn their keep. I've been "waived off" so to speak over here
when attempting to order from the bar when there was table service.
The final confusion of course is that pubs on this side of the
pond (those english and irish "themed" pubs) often DO have table
service. So one doesn't necessarily go in expecting it to be much
different. Like I said, it takes a finite amount of time to figure
out the system.

(Tim Vanhoof) wrote in message >...
> Passport to the Pub
> The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox
>
> The slowest €“
> over 45 minutes €“ involved a group of six young Italians. This group did
> not, however, seem particularly concerned about the apparent lack of
> service, being engrossed in a lively debate about football.

I doubt that they were confused about the service, since in many
Italian bars self-service is the rule. And sitting at a table
chatting for 45 minutes without ordering anything is also not unknown
in Italy....

In message >, me
> writes
> It takes a finite amount of time. The confusion comes in that
>it is not uncommon for folks in other lands to order from the
>bar, especially if they aren't planning on using a table (playing
>pool, darts, whatever). So just because I see someone ordering
>from the bar, doesn't mean it is what I need to do. Furthermore,
>if they are anticipating food orders, many bars "over here"
>don't want you to order from the bar so that the table service
>can earn their keep. I've been "waived off" so to speak over here
>when attempting to order from the bar when there was table service.
>The final confusion of course is that pubs on this side of the
>pond (those english and irish "themed" pubs) often DO have table
>service. So one doesn't necessarily go in expecting it to be much
>different. Like I said, it takes a finite amount of time to figure
>out the system.

I've been to Belgian bars where table service makes no sense. The
heaving crowd standing in the Kettle bar in Ghent could not possibly be
served that way. Any time there are no tables or spaces at the bar
tracking your tab becomes much harder and bar service and instant
payment becomes the norm.

Paying for each round immediately is pretty common anyway, for everyone
but tourists. It can save a serious amount of time & frustration when
you're ready to leave each bar in my experience.

I think you're right, foreigners expect to have the choice and for some
reason tourists choose the table+table service option wherever they are
(including the brits abroad).

The French are a whole different story, they never seem to be interested
in getting served anyway, they just seem to want a place to sit and
enjoy a smoke. Or maybe its just the ones I've seen
--
Paul Shirley: email anti-spammed

"Tim Vanhoof" > wrote in message
...
> Passport to the Pub
> The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox
>
> From
> http://www.sirc.org/publik/pub.html , a scientific description of
> British pub behaviour
> Research findings: In observation-studies, we timed first-time tourists
> to find out exactly how long it would take them to discover the
> no-waiter-service rule

The problem is that this isn't quite true. Waiter service is rare nowadays,
although it used to be very common in large multi-roomed pubs in which not
every room had a bar. It still exists in a few places, most notably the tiny
number of pubs which have no bar or beer pumps, in which beer is served by
gravity from barrels kept in a cellar or tap room. An example is the Lord
Nelson at Burnham Thorpe, where you come in, sit down (or stand around) and
the gaffer asks you what you want. He then goes off with tray and glasses to
fetch your beer.

Alan Harrison

"congokid" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Reid©
> > writes
> >Following up to Tim Vanhoof
> >
> >>One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
> >>depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
> >>sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
> >>take their order.
> >
> >I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
> >pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
> >could well be confused.
> >Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
> >of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?
>
> Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
> busier pubs.
>
> I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
> sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
> Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
> that are taking their own sweet time.
>
> --
> congokid
> Eating out in London? Read my tips...
> http://congokid.com

Why would we believe anything you write if you think British pubs have
waiters. Have you even set foot in the UK?

Tony

Alan Harrison wrote:
>
> "Tim Vanhoof" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Passport to the Pub
> > The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox
> >
> > From
> > http://www.sirc.org/publik/pub.html , a scientific description of
> > British pub behaviour
> > Research findings: In observation-studies, we timed first-time tourists
> > to find out exactly how long it would take them to discover the
> > no-waiter-service rule
>
> The problem is that this isn't quite true. Waiter service is rare nowadays,
> although it used to be very common in large multi-roomed pubs in which not
> every room had a bar. It still exists in a few places, most notably the tiny
> number of pubs which have no bar or beer pumps, in which beer is served by
> gravity from barrels kept in a cellar or tap room. An example is the Lord
> Nelson at Burnham Thorpe, where you come in, sit down (or stand around) and
> the gaffer asks you what you want. He then goes off with tray and glasses to
> fetch your beer.
>
> Alan Harrison

The wonderful Circus Tavern in Manchester (the smallest urban pub
anywhere?) has also introduced waitress service to reduce crowing at
the very small bar.

JC

"John C" > wrote in message
...
> The wonderful Circus Tavern in Manchester (the smallest urban pub
> anywhere?) has also introduced waitress service to reduce crowing at
> the very small bar.

Lot of problems with roosters, was there?

In message >, John C >
writes
>> The problem is that this isn't quite true. Waiter service is rare nowadays,
>> although it used to be very common in large multi-roomed pubs in which not
>> every room had a bar. It still exists in a few places, most notably the tiny
>> number of pubs which have no bar or beer pumps, in which beer is served by
>> gravity from barrels kept in a cellar or tap room. An example is the Lord
>> Nelson at Burnham Thorpe, where you come in, sit down (or stand around) and
>> the gaffer asks you what you want. He then goes off with tray and glasses to
>> fetch your beer.
>>
>> Alan Harrison
>
>The wonderful Circus Tavern in Manchester (the smallest urban pub
>anywhere?) has also introduced waitress service to reduce crowing at
>the very small bar.

There are a surprising number of pubs with bell-service buttons still
visible. I think my closest pub used them up till the 1930s. Even more
civilised than trying to catch the eye of an often elusive waiter!

I wonder what foreigners make of the bells often hanging by our bars,
especially since only the pub locals know if it should be rung for
service or not (and many of us never do find out!).

--
Paul Shirley: email anti-spammed

Tim Vanhoof > wrote in message
...
> Passport to the Pub
> The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette by Kate Fox
>
> From
> http://www.sirc.org/publik/pub.html , a scientific description of
> British pub behaviour
> (also as PDF at http://www.sirc.org/publik/passport.pdf ) Definitely
> worth reading for any pubgoer.
>
>
> <blockquote>
> One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
> depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
> sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
> take their order. In most cases, a friendly native will put them out of
> their misery by explaining rule number one, or they will figure it out
> for themselves, but in a busy pub it can be some time before the correct
> procedure becomes clear.
>
> ...
>
> Research findings: In observation-studies, we timed first-time tourists
> to find out exactly how long it would take them to discover the
> no-waiter-service rule. The fastest time - just under two-and-a-half
> minutes - was achieved by a sharp-eyed American couple. The slowest -
> over 45 minutes - involved a group of six young Italians. This group did
> not, however, seem particularly concerned about the apparent lack of
> service, being engrossed in a lively debate about football. Sympathy
> should go to the French couple who marched out of the pub, complaining
> bitterly to each other about the poor service and British manners in
> general, after a 24-minute wait. </blockquote>

Didn't read the whole thing, but it always amused me to see the reaction of
the barman when, having served a coach-load of tourists, he realises that
all 50 of them want to pay individually.

On Thu, 2 Oct 2003 23:41:21 +0100, "Tony Day"
> wrote:

>
>
>> >
>> >I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
>> >pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
>> >could well be confused.
>> >Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
>> >of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?
>>
>> Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
>> busier pubs.
>>
>> I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
>> sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
>> Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
>> that are taking their own sweet time.
>>
>> --
>> congokid
>> Eating out in London? Read my tips...
>> http://congokid.com
>
>Why would we believe anything you write if you think British pubs have
>waiters. Have you even set foot in the UK?
>
>Tony
>
Who not try reading and getting to understand a post before responding
next time?

Following up to Tony Day

>> Eating out in London? Read my tips...
>> http://congokid.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>Why would we believe anything you write if you think British pubs have
>waiters. Have you even set foot in the UK?

Er.....
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to congokid

>Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
>busier pubs.
>
>I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
>sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
>Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
>that are taking their own sweet time.

I think if they are understaffed for bar service the next stage
in staff fully for bar service. To staff for table service and
accommodate the needs of UK style pour it down your neck as fast
as possible drinking needs quite a few staff or maybe jug
service?
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to Paul Shirley

>I think you're right, foreigners expect to have the choice and for some
>reason tourists choose the table+table service option wherever they are
>(including the brits abroad).

I suppose getting into the shoving and pushing and waving a
tenner is a bit daunting in a foreign culture? When there is bar
service in Spain I have noticed people making a space and giving
priority to the foreigner (not in a touristy place of course) I
would like to think that happened here and perhaps it might in a
non tourist area?

>The French are a whole different story, they never seem to be interested
>in getting served anyway, they just seem to want a place to sit and
>enjoy a smoke. Or maybe its just the ones I've seen

Not just France, Italy and Spain too, they are not focused on
getting ****ed.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to Alan Harrison

>The problem is that this isn't quite true. Waiter service is rare nowadays,

but getting commoner again as pubs shift the emphasis to food.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

"Reid©" wrote:

> Following up to Alan Harrison
>
> >The problem is that this isn't quite true. Waiter service is rare nowadays,
>
> but getting commoner again as pubs shift the emphasis to food.
> --
> Mike Reid

I suppose in this respect, Hoggers can be seen as a mature progression towards a continental
style of service in British high st pubs...........or not!

Mark

Paul Shirley > wrote in message >...
[snip]
> Paying for each round immediately is pretty common anyway, for everyone
> but tourists. It can save a serious amount of time & frustration when
> you're ready to leave each bar in my experience.
[snip]

Personally, I wish virtually everyplace had as an option, a
cashier where one could go to "settle the bill". Despite every
effort in many cases to explain that we have theater tickets or
otherwise don't wanna loiter after our meal, I regularly have
trouble getting the tab settled. Even in Chez Snooty at times
I would prefer to take my bill, go to some cashier and just
settle the dern thing. If others don't wanna they can go through
the whole waiter driven schtick. This is almost especially true
when hosting some moderately large group. There is this sorta
"uncomfortable moment" when the tab comes and everyone kinda
looks at you while you review and care for the bill. I'd almost
prefer to excuse myself, and go "take care of business" in private
while my guests continue to enjoy themselves.

Reid© ) wrote:
:
: I suppose getting into the shoving and pushing and waving a
: tenner is a bit daunting in a foreign culture? When there is bar
: service in Spain I have noticed people making a space and giving
: priority to the foreigner (not in a touristy place of course) I
: would like to think that happened here and perhaps it might in a
: non tourist area?
:

Spain is a whole different thing -- I have a special place in my heart for
the Merenderos on the beaches along the SOuth Coast where there is one
waiter serving well over a hundred people -- service was slow, nobody felt
rushed, if you really needed him he wore bells on his shoes so you could
locate his position in the room and wave him over easily.

Another recountable experience in Spain was when I was staying in a hotel
in Barcelona on a business trip and couldn't sleep -- I went down to the
lobby bar at about midnight -- had my room key on that big old lucite
block that they hang room keys on -- it doesn't exactly fit in your pocket
-- you're supposed to leave it at the desk when you go in and out -- so I
ordered a glass of wine and put the key on the bar.

About 10 minutes later a drop dead gorgeous, highly perfumed, obviously
"professional" young lady slides onto the barstool next to me -- now I
knew not a word of Spanish and she seemed to be irritated that I wasn't
engaging her services. When it all got sorted out (with the help of a
bilingual stranger) I learned that putting your key on the bar is a quiet
signal to the bartender that you'd like a call placed on your behalf.

'nuff said!! Don't put your room key on the bar in Barcelona and don't
hold hands with your wife on the streets of Istanbul.

--
Bill

reply to sirwill1 AT same domain as above

On 3 Oct 2003 05:01:34 -0700, (me) wrote:

> Personally, I wish virtually everyplace had as an option, a
>cashier where one could go to "settle the bill". Despite every
>effort in many cases to explain that we have theater tickets or
>otherwise don't wanna loiter after our meal, I regularly have
>trouble getting the tab settled.

ooh, that's exactly what I was about to say!
In a standard italian restaurant the bill procedure is quite slow, right
when it would not need to be, and you could have some reasons (theater,
travel etc) to be in some hurry. And after all, itìs their intereste to
have the money! ;-)

Usually you have to:
1 - wait for the waiter to come so that you can ask for the bill
2 - wait for the bill to arrive to table
3 - wait for the money to be collected (or C.Card to be collected)
4 - wait for the change (or C.card) to arrive to table.

that could take half an hour! sometimes we skip 3) and 4) and go to the
cashier (if any... or towards the exit) with the bill and the money,
saying to the staff that we are sorry but have a date a few minutes
later or something like that...sometiemes skipping also 1) and 2) - exp
in Pizzerias.

So I like US restaurants, where you usually get the bill without asking
with the coffee... or Uk pub when you pay the drinks (and sometimes the
food) when you order.

ciao
max

--
Please reply he rosamax (at ISP fastwebnet.it
"A Quart of Ale is a Dish for a King" - Shakespeare (A Winter's Tale)
www.maxbeer.org |Homebrewing/Italian Microbreweries/BeerDatabase/Labels
www.abbatya.com |Buy your beers online

Rosalba e Massimo ) wrote:
:
: So I like US restaurants, where you usually get the bill without asking
: with the coffee... or Uk pub when you pay the drinks (and sometimes the
: food) when you order.
:

You would, then, really appreciate the Vietnamese restaurants in SoCal.
Each table has a number. When you're done, you just walk up to the
cashier and tell them your table number -- you're out the door whenever
you decide it's time to go.

--
Bill

reply to sirwill1 AT same domain as above

In article >, Ken Wheatley
> writes
>On Thu, 2 Oct 2003 23:41:21 +0100, "Tony Day"
> wrote:

>>Why would we believe anything you write if you think British pubs have
>>waiters. Have you even set foot in the UK?
>>
>>Tony
>>
>Who not try reading and getting to understand a post before responding
>next time?

Hee hee. I expected a flame, but not from that direction!

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

In article >, Reid©
> writes
>Following up to congokid
>
>>Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
>>busier pubs.
>>
>>I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
>>sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
>>Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
>>that are taking their own sweet time.
>
>I think if they are understaffed for bar service the next stage
>in staff fully for bar service. To staff for table service and
>accommodate the needs of UK style pour it down your neck as fast
>as possible drinking needs quite a few staff or maybe jug
>service?

What about metered pipes directly from the cellar to the table? Cut out
the middle man altogether.

The problem possibly lies with those pubs that aim to maximise their
profits by expanding the area they have available for customers to sit
(one pub near Beachy Head comes to mind, as does the Anchor at
Bankside). Unfortunately, they still have the same number of slow bar
staff, which is where the bottleneck occurs, so there would be no
significant increase in sales, but lots more ****ed off, if not ****ed,
customers.

I must say that the recent refit and expansion of the Anchor was not
before time, although service is still very poor.

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

"Bill Benzel" > wrote in message
...
> Rosalba e Massimo ) wrote:
> :
> : So I like US restaurants, where you usually get the bill without asking
> : with the coffee... or Uk pub when you pay the drinks (and sometimes the
> : food) when you order.
> :
>
> You would, then, really appreciate the Vietnamese restaurants in SoCal.
> Each table has a number. When you're done, you just walk up to the
> cashier and tell them your table number -- you're out the door whenever
> you decide it's time to go.
>
that should work inthe UK too. get up, go get your coats, start putting them
on, head for the door. Someone will either stop you and remind you you
havn't paid, or will politely remind you you havn't paid, or you get a free
meal

"congokid" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Reid©
> > writes
> >Following up to Tim Vanhoof
> >
> >>One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest,
> >>depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists
> >>sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and
> >>take their order.
> >
> >I wonder how unaware people are of the service arrangements in
> >pubs? I suppose if they see people bringing food to tables they
> >could well be confused.
> >Do people really not spot people waiting at the bar and the lack
> >of any waiters? People bringing back their drinks?
>
> Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
> busier pubs.
>
> I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
> sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
> Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
> that are taking their own sweet time.
>

Well, the Slug and Lettuce in Henley on Thames has (very pretty) waitress
service, and not just for food. However, getting a waitress to take your
order isn't 100% reliable - I think they're there for food only technically,
or you have to ask nicely for more beer..

I have had waitress service at the Duck on the Pond in Long Itchington...
there's got to be other places too.

I find that its always unexpected, and very pleasant.

"congokid" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Reid©
> > writes
> >Following up to congokid
> >
> >>Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
> >>busier pubs.
> >>
> >>I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
> >>sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
> >>Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
> >>that are taking their own sweet time.
> >
> >I think if they are understaffed for bar service the next stage
> >in staff fully for bar service. To staff for table service and
> >accommodate the needs of UK style pour it down your neck as fast
> >as possible drinking needs quite a few staff or maybe jug
> >service?
>
> What about metered pipes directly from the cellar to the table? Cut out
> the middle man altogether.

Why not cut out the middle man and pour the stuff straight down the toilet?

In article >, Mike O'Sullivan
> writes
>
>"congokid" > wrote in message
...
>> In article >, Reid©
>> > writes
>> >Following up to congokid
>> >
>> >>Efficient waiter service would be a good idea at several of the UK's
>> >>busier pubs.
>> >>
>> >>I've been to several where there are literally hundreds of people
>> >>sitting outside, not drinking, and dozens more inside, not drinking.
>> >>Those outside are waiting for those inside to order from the 2-3 staff
>> >>that are taking their own sweet time.
>> >
>> >I think if they are understaffed for bar service the next stage
>> >in staff fully for bar service. To staff for table service and
>> >accommodate the needs of UK style pour it down your neck as fast
>> >as possible drinking needs quite a few staff or maybe jug
>> >service?
>>
>> What about metered pipes directly from the cellar to the table? Cut out
>> the middle man altogether.
>
>Why not cut out the middle man and pour the stuff straight down the toilet?

Good idea.

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

> [..] don't hold hands with your wife on the streets of Istanbul.

I never had any trouble because of this in any place of Turkey...
What was your experience about this ?

Following up to congokid

>What about metered pipes directly from the cellar to the table? Cut out
>the middle man altogether.

Yo sushi, if my memory is working well, sometimes have this, they
also sometimes have a robot trolley that comes round. It wouldn't
work in a pub of course.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to Mike O'Sullivan

>Why not cut out the middle man and pour the stuff straight down the toilet?

why not cut out the middle man and give your money straight to
the government
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to Andy Bolstridge

>Well, the Slug and Lettuce in Henley on Thames has (very pretty) waitress
>service, and not just for food.

sounds like my sort of place.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

> The problem possibly lies with those pubs that aim to maximise their
> profits by expanding the area they have available for customers to sit
> (one pub near Beachy Head comes to mind,

I doubt this pub is expecting repeat business anyhow...
:-)

Dave

In article >, Reid©
> writes
>Following up to congokid
>
>>What about metered pipes directly from the cellar to the table? Cut out
>>the middle man altogether.
>
>Yo sushi, if my memory is working well, sometimes have this, they
>also sometimes have a robot trolley that comes round. It wouldn't
>work in a pub of course.

The one in Poland Street in Soho has - or had. I just drank water from
the little table dispenser during that visit, though.

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

Reid© > wrote in message >. ..
> Following up to Andy Bolstridge
>
> >Well, the Slug and Lettuce in Henley on Thames has (very pretty) waitress
> >service, and not just for food.
>
> sounds like my sort of place.

hmm, keg only draught beer (IIRC Stella, Kronenbourg &
JohnSmithSmooth*) in a town which until recently boasted one of the
best old breweries in the country (Brakspear - "one of the best"
because it was a beautiful old place & made great beer) & Henley still
has one of my favourite pubs - The Bird In Hand, where (shock!) you
still have to go to the bar yourself to get simple food & stunningly
good cask beers.

(* actually I'm thinking of Henley's BarMed, but I suspect the range
in S&L isn't much better)
cheers
MikeMcG

Following up to MikeMcG

>> sounds like my sort of place.
>
>hmm, keg only draught beer (IIRC Stella, Kronenbourg &
>JohnSmithSmooth*) in a town which until recently boasted one of the
>best old breweries in the country (Brakspear - "one of the best"
>because it was a beautiful old place & made great beer) & Henley still
>has one of my favourite pubs - The Bird In Hand, where (shock!) you
>still have to go to the bar yourself to get simple food & stunningly
>good cask beers.
>
>(* actually I'm thinking of Henley's BarMed, but I suspect the range
>in S&L isn't much better)

"Slug and lettuce" I have been in did proper draught beer.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

(MikeMcG) wrote in message . com>...
> Reid© > wrote in message >. ..
> > Following up to Andy Bolstridge
> >
> > >Well, the Slug and Lettuce in Henley on Thames has (very pretty) waitress
> > >service, and not just for food.
> >
> > sounds like my sort of place.
>
> hmm, keg only draught beer (IIRC Stella, Kronenbourg &
> JohnSmithSmooth*) in a town which until recently boasted one of the
> best old breweries in the country (Brakspear - "one of the best"
> because it was a beautiful old place & made great beer) & Henley still
> has one of my favourite pubs - The Bird In Hand, where (shock!) you
> still have to go to the bar yourself to get simple food & stunningly
> good cask beers.
>
> (* actually I'm thinking of Henley's BarMed, but I suspect the range
> in S&L isn't much better)
> cheers
> MikeMcG

Slug and Lettuce ranks just behind Wetherspoons pubs as the most
souless pubs in the UK. Most airport lounges have better atmosphere
(and beer) than those places. They are better avoided at all costs.
You can always find a good local near a Slug and Lettuce, there is
never a need to go into one.

"MrFalafel" > wrote in message
om...

> Slug and Lettuce ranks just behind Wetherspoons pubs as the most
> souless pubs in the UK. Most airport lounges have better atmosphere
> (and beer) than those places

I don't agree. I've generally found Wetherspoon's OK, or better, on beer
quality, and I like the "no recorded music, no big screen football" policy
amenable (tho' I noticed a couple of weeks ago that the latter plague has
found its way into the one in Charing X Road). They are also refreshingly
cheap in London, where most boozers charge over two quid a pint.

Alan Harrison