Single on a Week Day

So my daytime holiday drinking buddy went away and left me to my own devices. Of course that means I get to partake in my favourite pastime of drinking alone. On Tuesday, I decided to go some place new-a local brewpub. Ok so I won't say the place, but if you read my twitter you might figure it out. Now, I've decided to analyze it from the single traveller point of view- kinda like a spy on Bar Rescue...heehee.

I walked in and was not acknowledged- yes it was busy, but a simple 'I'll be right with you' would work. I asked if I could just sit at the bar as one of the servers passed me by. At the bar area, there was no atmosphere...one small tv and a list of beers to read.... plus no social interaction from bartenders. Not a good scene to hit as a single. Even though my beer and mac n cheese were delicious, I'll most likely not go back.  I just think that hospitality is about treating the customer as though you are interested in their business and want to have them back. I did not feel that there, so perhaps I'm not the clientele they want.

Here are a few things to build your social skills behind the bar..
1.Ask relevant/stimulating questions: what brings you here, how you enjoying the flight, how's the trip going?..
2. Be sincere. Bartending is a people business, acting like you are too good for customers leaves you without any.
3. Take note of the crowd: see who is alone, see who had a birth day, be aware of the first dates, observe and upsell or suggest or chitchat appropriately,
4. And if you are a brew house...have your brew lines in stock for sale!!!

Why do this job if you're not going to do it right! (plus tips are better if you're attentive)