Drinknation Forums

[ThreeZeroMonkey]

Ok, im one to admit a couple of years in a cocktail bar in Cardiff (cap city of Wales) dont make me a stunning barperson by anymeans. My working flair (in the traditional sense of the term) is ok and have had working experiance in one of the busiest cities in the uk, I know theres a time and a place for it. I would also like to think that my product/recipie knowledge is good as well, but i know that its only a tiny scratch on whats out there.
The thing is for the first few months working in a bar I hated it when people came in, looked at the menu and then asked for a cocktail that wasnt on it, when asked what was in it, looked shocked and didnt know themselves. Im not joking but a lot of the time they also commented on the lack of professionalism and badly stocked back bar (if they knew the ingredients but we didnt stock the schnapps/spirit) to my face which made me feel pressured and embarresse
d. Now I feel much more able to cope with the situation having extended my working knowledge, but i still feel p**sed off when newer bartenders get into that situation and I can see the customer really enjoying them squirm. Now its one thing for joe bloggs off the street to feel good about poking through holes in someones knowledge but for other bartenders to do it to bartenders I just dont get that at all. Its happened to me a few times before and its really frustrating when I see other newer barpeople around me get hassled by people in our trade giving comments like, 'you really dont know what your doing' or my personal favourite 'you call yourself a cocktail bar' which is funny because just because we dont know a cocktail that isnt featured in our menu and we dont stock cachaca we are suddenly not a cocktailbar anymore.

[Guest]

Sorry, I was working last night when this happened, it makes homer maaadddd!