I've worked in 2 of the best cocktail bars in the UK. Here are the common mistakes I saw customers make.

Fern McErlaneJan 13, 2024, 03:47 IST

Not everyone knows how to behave in a swanky bar.Catherine Falls/Drazen/Getty Images

I worked in two of the best cocktail bars in the UK as a hostess.
Unspoken rules include staying in your seat as well as booking ahead of time.

While studying at university in the UK, I worked at two cocktail bars rated among the country's top 50 venues.

The Top 50 Cocktail Bars is a yearly award where UK cocktail bars are voted on by hospitality experts, such as brand owners, influencers, and writers.

Mother Mercy in Newcastle charted on the list in 2022, when I spent a few months working there, and its owners have since opened two new venues in the city.

Further south in Sheffield, Public currently sits at number 39 on the list, a basement bar in a renovated former men's public toilet next to the city town hall.

Working there, I learned it's easy for customers to make a few mistakes when visiting swanky cocktail bars. Here are the most common trip-ups I noticed.

Don't try to order at the bar in table-service-only venues.

Servers will let you know if you need to order at the bar or stay seated.Westend61/Getty Images

Don't ask for important ingredients (or several of them) to be swapped out.

Cocktail recipes on the menu are made to deliver a specific flavor.Pedro Merino/Getty Images

Don't order more than one cocktail at once.

Ordering several cocktails at once slows down service for everyone.Paul Biris/Getty Images

Don't think that mocktails are a waste of time — sometimes they're the tastiest thing on the menu.

Most bars now offer alcohol-free cocktails, and they might be the tastiest on the menu.Gado/Getty Images

Remember to book ahead for busy weekend nights.

Friday and Saturday are usually the busiest nights, so book in advance.Drazen/Getty Images

Don't try to make friends with other guests — it isn't always welcome.

If the table next to you are on a date, they probably don't want to chat.Catherine Falls/Getty Images

Don't refuse to order a "girly drink" or "anything pink." You're better than that.

Spoiler: there's no such thing as a "girly drink."Glowimages/Getty Images

Don't ask if we really get to keep the full tip ourselves.

There's no way asking this question won't be awkward.Darwin Brandis/Getty Images

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