Would a pub let me pour my own pint if it was quiet?

Staff Infection

Basically I've finally gotten a job lined up starting in September. It will be working in a bar but I've never done bar work before only office work. I got the job thanks to a friend of mine knowing the owner/manager guy hence how I got it without any bar experience.

Now so far I've read this thread (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056947830) which had some great hints and tips.

My question is this, I'll be in Dublin on Sunday afternoon (12ish-3pm) and I was wondering if a publican would let me pour my own pint if I explained I want to learn how before staring work in September?

Also, I was going to try in one of the craft beer pubs (Black Sheep, Brew Dock, Bull & Castle, Against the Grain etc.) as they seem to have a more laid back vibe, would this be a good idea?

endacl

It's really not difficult. How much practice do you think you'd need, that you couldn't get in the first five minutes working?

Staff Infection

Well it's not so much that I think it will be overwhelming, it is more that if I was able to say I took the initiative and learned to pour a pint in between being offered the job and starting the job it would show that I'm willing to learn, put in the effort etc.

TheMilkyPirate

Staff Infection wrote: »

Well it's not so much that I think it will be overwhelming, it is more that if I was able to say I took the initiative and learned to pour a pint in between being offered the job and starting the job it would show that I'm willing to learn, put in the effort etc.

Just tell them you did it.

Greenmachine

Take the guinness tour. You are taught to pour a pint, then get to try it for yourself.

endacl

Or pop into your local at a quit time. I'm sure most barmen wouldn't have a huge issue letting you have a go.

Or the more obvious solution. Go to a pub like the Bleeding Horse that has those pull your own pint tables. Both a stout tap and a lager tap at the table.

Del2005

Staff Infection wrote: »

Well it's not so much that I think it will be overwhelming, it is more that if I was able to say I took the initiative and learned to pour a pint in between being offered the job and starting the job it would show that I'm willing to learn, put in the effort etc.

You could hire the taps and get a keg, 88 practices, and you could have some friends over to charge outrageous prices so it feels like a real pub job.

I'd say a country pub would be easier than a Dublin pub, more chance of health and safety in Dublin than a small rural one.

Staff Infection

Grand, thanks for the suggestions. I'll leave Dublin on Sunday evening either genuinely being able to pull a pint or at least being able to blag about it anyway, cheers.

jill_valentine

As somebody above, a lot of country pubs would let you do it no problem, especially if you explained why. Country publicans love having stories like that, tbh.

But the pour-your-own-pint tables in pubs are probably the easiest solution, yeah. Bleeding Horse has them... I know Sinnotts near Stephen's Green has them, although I've never seen them used. There's somewhere up near Christchurch that has it advertised all over... Somewhere touristy looking, Temple Bar-ish, should be a good bet, they usually advertise it in the window.

Staff Infection

Grand, quick question about the pour your own tables. Would they be the same, give or take as the taps at the bar? Can't see how they'd be any different myself but just incase it's a case of "oh the table taps are slower as punters would be able for full speed taps" etc. etc. Probably not the case just wondering.

As regards trying in a rural pub, if I leave Dublin on Sunday without pulling a pint I'll try one of the pubs here at home Monday or Tuesday so.

endacl

Staff Infection wrote: »

Grand, quick question about the pour your own tables. Would they be the same, give or take as the taps at the bar? Can't see how they'd be any different myself but just incase it's a case of "oh the table taps are slower as punters would be able for full speed taps" etc. etc. Probably not the case just wondering.

As regards trying in a rural pub, if I leave Dublin on Sunday without pulling a pint I'll try one of the pubs here at home Monday or Tuesday so.

Exactly the same. Unfortunately though, the more 'practise' you get, the less capable you'll be.

Morf

Once the gas is set properly it's quite straightforward to pull a pint.

More busy pubs are more likely to have their lines cleaned regularly, the gas set properly but it's really luck of the draw in that regard. Some barmen/women are constantly fiddling with the gas so it'll depend.