Now ye're talking - to a country barman

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:41am

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Do your customers prefer London Dry Gin out of the Gordon's bottle or the Cork bottle?

Mostly Dingle Gin. But very few drink it. We don't have notions in Country Bars

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:45am

Rows Grower wrote: »

Is there any of the character's left that when they go at the drink they go at it awful and hard?

As in is there anyone in the village that would put away twenty pints of porter in a long session and still make sense?

Did many of the regulars keep drinking Guinness during the hot spell? What did people change to?

What is the biggest tip you ever got?

Do you have a book/slate to 'write that down'?

None of those characters here. But when I worked in Limerick there was a guy like that. He would drink all day and night about once a month and not get drunk. He got the dry the next morning as well. Most of the business drinkers stay on the Guinness no matter what the weather.
Biggest tip in money was €50, but like I said in a precious post I get reduced rates for services ranging from plumbing to opticians etc. That is better than any tip

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:46am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Do you find over the years, that your bar is slowly becoming a cafe?

More people looking for tea and a sandwich instead of a pint or a shot?

Not here but a lot of bars have that. We don't charge for tea or coffee is there is a drink called with it. Even for strangers. We don't serve food either.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:56am

KonFusion wrote: »

Having spent a few summers working bar in a town of about 1200 in Laois, this is bringing the memories flooding back... which gives me a bunch of questions based on my own experiences

Guinness, Murphy's, or Beamish?

Do ye keep a knife next to the taps to scrape the extra foam off the top of pints?

Do any of the staff always ask about the fruit machine in order to track how many losers there's been so they can get a potential easy win?

How you gonna handle cleaning/sanding down the bar now that Good Friday is open for biz?

Do ye have that one lad that you can't get rid of when you've finished up, got everyone else out, and you're ready for bed?

Do you have any aging bottles of After Shock or cocktail pre-mixes collecting dust on a shelf somewhere since the early 2000's that you'd actually be afraid to serve someone since they're so old?

Do you have that one guy that racks up huge tabs every month but mysteriously always gets it paid in the end?

Being a shop & post office as well, is security an issue? I recall myself that there could end up being a lot of money on the premises between bank runs - can't imagine how being a post office would add to that.

Ever let anyone sleep in the bar just because they were a regular and/or too drunk to get home?

Are there any other local bars competing for biz? How do you handle the competition?

Do you do food?

Only serve Guinness.
I have in other bars, but it's not needed here. We have a proper cold room and a modern cooling system. On the off chance a Guinness had a high head it would be dumped and started again.

We don't have any try it machines and only me and the owner work there.

The bar is kept in good condition so no need to get 50 people in on good Friday for maintenance when it was illegal to open

We don't serve late and the customers know that. If someone tries that every night they would be barred.

We have a few bottles that are there for display and can't be sold lol. There a long time.

There is no tab in the bar I work. But I have seeing it happen over the years. Guys that can't put a shirt on their back can pay a tab of a few €100.

I can't go in to detail with that. It's always at the back of our minds.

Can't let people sleep for a number of reasons. Insurance being the main reason and open to liability. If a customer is that bad we would drive them home.

We are the main bar. Generally we are just until 20 mins before closing. The customers leave and go to the other bars for a late drink. They take all the risk.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:58am

eeloe wrote: »

Is the day shift harder than the evening shift? i'd imagine working in a bar from 11am to 2-3pm is torture, the problems you'd have to listen to......

The day shift is the alcoholics with the same stories over and over. I prefer the night shift. Although the shop is busy by day which is a nice distraction.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:58am

josip wrote: »

Do you have wifi in the pub?

Yes

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 12:59am

Agent Smith wrote: »

Do you have a bedside locker?

Whats in said bedside locker?

if you lower the blinds, will you put out the ashtrays?

Nope, never. We get the customers out early.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:02am

mikemac2 wrote: »

Are you legit with sky or have you found some cheap dodgy box solution?

Not judging, sky charge far too much so more power to you if you get an alternative

100% legit. The boss had it for 15 years and cancelled it 2 years ago hoping they would come back with a better deal. In the 15 years with sky no one ever called from sky. Within a week of cancelling a stranger called and ordered a lot of tea, he asked a lot of questions. I was on duty at the time and told him he was welcome to look around. 2 days later a rep called with an ever so slightly better deal.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:12am

Business Cat wrote: »

Have you ever had to deal with members of the travelling community getting obstreperous and if so, how did you deal with them?

Whats the most you've ever seen someone drink in a single sitting and were they still compos mentis by the end?

Best thing about your job?

Worst thing about your job?

Would you always ask for ID if its a borderline underage fella or just give them the benefit of the doubt?

Whats your tipple of choice?

Do you frequent the pub you work in when you are not working and if not, why not?

Not where I work now. But when I started barwork they would call to the bar every now and then. It was much easier to stop them then.we just said regulars only. I worked in another bar covering a few shifts in Limerick City. The owner served them but barred on that glassed someone. He called a week later and was refused service. An hour later the windows were smashed by some one. I have heard some horror stories from other bar staff.

Yes about 20 pints and 5 whiskeys. It was like they had no drink.

The discounts I get from customers.

Listening to the alcoholics same story over and over.

Where I work now if a young fella came in chances are I know his parents.He could be 17 and get served. A stranger at 19 could be stopped for having no id.

Carlsberg and Jameson.

The odd time. I work a few nights and don't want to be there on my night off. It's also 10k on a dark road with no taxis. My wife is new house driving that road in the dark to collect me.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:13am

josip wrote: »

Do you have any/many patrons with more than 1 All Ireland?

That's actually true if you include minor.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:14am

B-D-P-- wrote: »

"Now ye're talking - To yourself"

Brilliant. My apologies.It was explained in a previous post.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:16am

Kevin Finnerty wrote: »

My Guinness needs topping up lads , wait ye're turn!

Does everyone at the bar always turn around when someone walks in?
What's the worst case of stinge you've seen in a round scenario? Do rounds still exist even?

Yep where I work they do. If a stranger walks in they ask me who they are. Rounds are popular in a country bar. But if you tried to stinge the whole town would read you. So it doesn't really happen.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:22am

Business Cat wrote: »

Do you think the Healy Raes are gombeens or the ultimate cute hoors?

That is so hard to answer. I'm originally from Limerick and have lived Kerry for the last 10 years.

Growing up in Limerick we thought Jackie Healy Rae was a comedian. My views have changed a bit since then. I still think some of the stiff thats said is rubbish. But I agree with some. I'm tired not and it's being a long day. I will answer this in more detail on Friday.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:25am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Is the pub cozy just like the caravan in father Ted????

Have you ever done a lovely girl competition?

Do many pull up in their tractors to have a few?

Have you ever had anyone famous in?

A bit more spacious lol.

Nope.

Not a chance, the guards would know straight away. They did a few years ago.

We had a famous guy in on his way to Dingle. I can't think of his name though. But he spend a lot of time in Dingle and was in a move with Will Ferrel where they are step brothers. No one batted an eyelid. Now if the gooch had came in it would be a different story.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:27am

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Do many of your customers come in by tractor?

Not any more.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:27am

Reputable Rog wrote: »

Maybe the next "Now ye're talking" should be with a Freemason, given the level of interaction with this guy.

That was done.no one spotted it.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:28am

pleas advice wrote: »

No really, what time do you close at? Would I get a late one on my way back from the dihsco in town if I knew the knock? Couple of cans take out for the house, shur you'll come down yourself after?

Not here but in another bar I worked in yes.

Sundew · 19-07-2018 1:29am

- Do ye have card nights.....and if so 45 or Poker?

- Has PubSpy ever visited?

- Have you ever met PubSpy?

Hope the Gran Aunt recovers quickly!

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:31am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Is there a fire?

How many can the pub legally hold?

What are the toilet facilities like?

Please tell me you use urinal cakes..... Love the smell of them.

I'm not actually sure how many we can hold. Il check with boss.

There was an extension put on recently. The pub is still fairly small by city standards but there are brand new toilets including disabled toilets. Before the extension the tiling was a bit dated but immulacate.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:31am

Prominent_Dawg wrote: »

whats the most unusual request you have gotten?

Quickie in the toilet.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:32am

Mint Sauce wrote: »

Do you have any change for the pool table?

Don't have one.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:33am

Esel wrote: »

What time do you open?

9am for the shop and post office Monday to Saturday.10.30 for the bar Monday to Saturday.12 on a Sunday

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:35am

5rtytry56 wrote: »

Of the 3 cities Limerick, Cork and Dublin

Who do you prefer people to be from the most?

Limerick my home County. But I have met good and bad from each County.

Stephen15 · 19-07-2018 1:35am

Would you consider buying or taking over the pub once the owner retires or if it's ever a possibility?

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:36am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Do you serve the longest waiting customer or do what many do and serve that last person to arrive at the bar.

It's a country bar. So even on a busy night we know who has being waiting the longest and serve them 1st.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:37am

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

Who's the biggest roide in the village.

Me

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:40am

Lia_lia wrote: »

Do ye take card payments? Do you not get sick of the late nights? Which toilets are mankier, mens or womens? What would you say the average age of the patrons is?

Yes we do in the shop and bar.

I don't have late nights luckily. Hone by 12.15 on a week night incl the 10 min drive home and 1.15 on Fri and Sat night incl the 10 min drive home.

emo72 · 19-07-2018 1:41am

Mate, your not a swinger, not a prostitute, haven't had an affair. Your up against it in fairness. Seriously pulling a perfect pint is no comparison.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:41am

Lia_lia wrote: »

? Which toilets are mankier, mens or womens? What would you say the average age of the patrons is?

The toilets are spotless. But generally speaking the men's are worse. Average age is a out 45

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:48am

Alpha_zero wrote: »

I would imagine a significant amount of people have worked in bar nothing special.

How is minimum wage treating you, seriously though the questions people are answering i'm guessing he thinks they are rhetorical.

I was hoping a question like this would come up. When i started bar work it was still a bit of a trade. You collected glasses for a few months if you had a way with the customers you would be trained behind the bar. Almost anyone can get a job now with no experience. But if you have the experience you can make a good wage if you look hard enough.

I work hard and we are a busy bar. But I get paid well. I have 4 children and i take them to Florida every year with the wife. I'm not entitled to a FIS payment as my wages are over the threshold.

I have turned down a lot of job offers in the last few years as i am happy where I am. I dont want to come across as cocky. But if you work hard at any job you can make a good wage.

Noveight · 19-07-2018 1:49am

Having seen how the industry works, would you buy a pub yourself?

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:50am

TeddyTedson wrote: »

Ever witness any locals having an affair or walk in on funny business taking place in the toilets?

Not in a bar but in a 5 star hotel I worked in. 2 women.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:53am

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Still trying to figure out how to plug his typewriter into the telly?

Have you not heard of this new fax machine.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:55am

punisher5112 wrote: »

What shifts do you rather Mr barman....?

Night shifts. Less alcoholics with the same stories.

frag420 · 19-07-2018 1:55am

Having worked in a bar in the north west that had questionable clientele I want to ask the barman from here on in known as Norm about the fights he witnessed, the various nuances only seen and recognised by a barman, They say a drunk man(as I am now, lets be honest) speaks a true man!what did you see or hear that made you really think that you should intervene, be that personally or with the help of third party such as the police. Don't mean to sound cocky when I say only seen and heard by a bar person, if you worked in a bar then you know what I mean, if your credit or debit card bills reads like a list of random people but are in fact bars...you too know what I mean.

Some of the things i witnessed included...

A guy takes one of those old heavy glass ashtrays with the jagged edges and smash it into his brothers jaw because they both fancy the same pregnant woman who is already with someone else!!

People selling the meth that they get on prescription in the bar,

Hopeless alcoholics.Those that just do the rounds, bar to bar, the same short sweet drink, be it vodka lemonade, gin and orange, whiskey 7up, in and out, buy drink, bam , on to next place...

I could go on but would love to hear some stories from the op...

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 1:57am

Try_harder wrote: »

Does the bar open weekdays?

Yep.7 days a week.

I'm a country barman, AMA · 19-07-2018 2:01am

Again my apologies.i know there was a few questions I have missed and will answer them in the morning or Friday evening. Other questions I will go in to more detail with.

Like I said there was a bit of a family emergency and I had to head to Clare on short notice.

Rows Grower · 19-07-2018 2:10am

I'm a country barman, AMA wrote: »

Again my apologies.i know there was a few questions I have missed and will answer them in the morning or Friday evening. Other questions I will go in to more detail with.

Like I said there was a bit of a family emergency and I had to head to Clare on short notice.

You're grand out, talk to you later.

Galwayguy35 · 19-07-2018 7:26am

I'm a country barman, AMA wrote: »

Again my apologies.i know there was a few questions I have missed and will answer them in the morning or Friday evening. Other questions I will go in to more detail with.

Like I said there was a bit of a family emergency and I had to head to Clare on short notice.

Fair play for taking the time to answer the questions, not the easiest thing to have to do after a long day on the road.

demanufactured · 19-07-2018 8:29am

I'm a country barman, AMA wrote: »

Quickie in the toilet.

And...??

gozunda · 19-07-2018 8:54am

Do you like a pint yourself?

laoch na mona · 19-07-2018 9:34am

lucast2007us wrote: »

Mod should just delete this it's looking like a epic fail

Whole point of AMA is to have someone available to answer questions straight through for at least an hour

to be fair not everyone is online all the time

GLaDOS · 19-07-2018 9:35am

Is there any demand for craft beer, or do you serve the usual Diageo/Coors/Heinieken?

laoch na mona · 19-07-2018 9:41am

I'm a country barman, AMA wrote: »

There is no tab in the bar I work.

Blasphemy

Boards.ie: Niamh · 19-07-2018 9:57am

slavetothegrind wrote: »

Ah here, you could wait to announce until you knew AMA person was available!

lucast2007us wrote: »

Mod should just delete this it's looking like a epic fail

Whole point of AMA is to have someone available to answer questions straight through for at least an hour

Just on a point of order, the "whole point" of an AMA is for a volunteer to answer questions - in their own time. Never have we expected people to be available at a particular time of day or for a particular amount of time. Immediate answers are not required. People have lives, things come up (as with OP yesterday) and real life often takes priority, as it should.

I'm addressing this here to avoid any misconceptions for people who might be thinking of volunteering to do one.

If you have any questions about this post or want to reply to me, please PM me, let's not take away from the AMA any more.

beertons · 19-07-2018 9:58am

Auld boy comes in and asks for top shelf. What have ya got?

BarryD2 · 19-07-2018 10:34am

Are ye worried about being identified? Can't be that many POs in Kerry with a bar attached?

Maybe enough for doubt, but I see you're being careful in answers so perhaps anticipated this?

RasTa · 19-07-2018 11:35am

How much is a pint of Guinness?

What would be the average weekly takings? Say during a decent week.

the purple tin · 19-07-2018 3:14pm

What whiskys have you got and which one is your biggest seller? Also what id the most poular way of taking it: red lemonade, ice, drop of water, neat, with coke ...etc?

the purple tin · 19-07-2018 3:16pm

Om your night off would you go to your workplace for a few, or go somewhere else?
The last person you barred, what was the reason?

Now ye're talking - to a country barman

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