Message 2184 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Very true Dan, i would also add:
> 
> Asking a question

Asking a question??! How dare they? ;)
... No really, I love folk that are there to learn.

I didn't link directly to my facetious list in that thread, trying to start 
off with the helpful ideas instead ;)

OK, but one thing I did want to add in all seriousness is anticipation .
The truly wonderful barbacks that make me feel like sharing tips evenly, are 
the ones that fix a problem before it happens.

If you can spot that an ice bin is going to run out in 10 minutes - make time 
to fill it now - not then.
Keep an eye on the beers and bottles, and have the replacement handy before 
it's needed. This also saves YOU many trips back and forth if you can predict 
what you'll need next time.

In one way this will make the things you do less obvious - but if you need the 
adulation, catch the tenders eye and wave and wink about whatever you're 
doing. Everyone will appreciate it - more so when you take a day off and they 
find themselves having to ask someone to do all that stuff - after it's needed.

Magic moves include grabbing and opening the next bottle and handing it to the 
'tender just as their speed-rack bottle runs out half-way through a round of 
drinks  :-B

Asking if there's anything special to do (in an appropriate moment of course) 
shows willing very well - after you've brought everything obvious up-to-date.

I don't know about taking an ice cube to the manager, but some of the 
pointless stuff is cool too. I love hearing about how the kitchen has it even 
worse than us on a bad night ;-) or being told who's making out with who in 
the toilets (sometimes)

And remember - there is no such thing as 'that's not my job' - Bar-back by 
definition is everything ELSE but serving drinks ;) Not that you should allow 
yourself to be walked over, but anything goes - with a smile.

.dan.