The Bartender

The Bartender

Being a good bartender is about three main things

• Knowledge
• Professionalism
• Friendliness

Knowledge

There is a popular saying that “knowledge is power” and bartending is no exception. Without the knowledge of your recipes making drinks will make you nervous. When it comes to working on the bar, you will pray that guests will not ask for certain drinks from the menu because you don’t want to be embarrassed when you can’t make them. You may think you look cool being a bartender, but you won’t look very cool when you can’t make your basic house cocktails. You see, knowledge is really the most important thing. The flair, chat and professionalism will take time, but get the recipes memorised, and you’ll place the first foundation for being an exceptional bartender.

Professionalism

The main areas of professionalism are: uniform, cleanliness, attitude, drinks making, work ethics and ownership. Some bartenders are naturally professional, they always look “sharp” never unshaven or scruffy. They take pride in the bar they work in, and look after the tools they use and clean because they can’t stand things to be dirty. They make each drink with pride, and they treat the bar as if it was their own. It is very easy to become complacent, to let things “slip”- DON’T! If you are given the opportunity to work in a good bar with a competent cocktail list, prove you belong there.

Friendliness

Many bartenders reach a certain level of competence in their job and after time get to know the tricks of what they think a good bartender consists of, and because bartenders are generally the focus of the establishment they become arrogant. They start to use their knowledge to belittle guests and colleagues because they believe they are in some hierarchal pole position. This makes the worst type of bartender. Always be friendly and natural but not familiar. Never use your position or ability in a negative sense. We work in the hospitality industry so be hospitable.