Remember the following points:
There is no waiter service. You have to go tot the bar to order your drinks and food. This actually has its’ advantages, for it is at the bar where social contact between customers is very appropriate and normal behavior.
It is customary for only one or two people to go up to the bar and order drinks, NOT the whole group. The bar is probably the only place in Britain where you will not see an orderly queue. However the queue is there and the bar staff are well aware of everybody’s’ place in this "invisible" queue. All you need to do is discreetly attract their attention to let them know you are waiting to be served.
To get in this queue, you need to catch the barman’s eye, without making any noise or too much gesticulation.
Don’t ever try to jump this "invisible" queue. Everyone else and the bar staff know your and their place in it and neither will appreciate this act.
Do find the best place to make eye contact with the bar staff. This is usually next to the person currently being served. Make eye contact with him. Then give your eyebrows a quick lift while jerking your chin upwards. He’ll then know you’re waiting to be served and will get to you in turn.
Don’t shout out, snap your fingers or wave money about.
Do let the staff know you are waiting to be served by holding an empty glass or money in your hand. (Do not wave it around).
Do stay alert and focused on the bar staff. If you look to complacent and relaxed they may assume you are already being served. A slightly anxious, hopeful or expectant expression showing your dire need for a drink will help.
Do say please and thank you. This is very important.
If you wish to pay for your drinks individually, order them individually. If you are in a large group it is best to have one person order and pay for the drinks.
In most British pubs it is usual to order and then pay for your drinks immediately, in cash. Yoshould look for a sign or ask first if you want to pay by credit card. This often less of a problem if you are ordering food.
The "And one for yourself" ritual. Don’t tip the bar staff — the custom is to buy them a drink. The pub is an egalitarian institution. A tip would indicate a service role for the bar staff. A drink treats them as equals. But buying a drink is not automatically expected. Instead, it’s a friendly gesture. If you want to buy the barman a drink, when ordering just ask "and will you have one yourself?" or "and one for yourself?" Do not say "Can I buy you a drink?" as this brings back the topic of money and a service role. They may not drink it there and then but may have one later when they are not so busy. If you are still there, they will usually try and catch your eye and raise their glass as a sign of thanks.
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