Paul Leongas is an accomplished professional chef and author of the new book Irish Pub Appreciation. His extensive knowledge of the art of making a great meal, paired with his love of food and entertaining, makes him the perfect fit as a chef and owner of Irish pubs and restaurants. In this latest book, he shares his secrets for creating a great Irish pub.
The main thing you need to know about any pub is that it should have a Guinness pint in it. If it doesn’t, then the odds are that the customer will not enjoy his visit. When you go to a bar, you do not come empty handed, and you definitely do not buy a drink by accident. It is important to always know how much money you have in your pocket. If you find yourself in a situation where you have forgotten the cash you received at the bar, the best thing to do is to call the bartender and ask for a refund.
One of the best ways to get a refund is to tell the bartender you just realized that you spent too much money on that pint. When you order your drink, you should always specify whether or not it is an Irish pint. If you have gotten the menu wrong, it may be best to decline the drink. Even though the Irish people are well known for their love of food, you may want to leave some of the greasy fries or burgers out of your Irish pub meal. You do not want a customer to suffer from food poisoning!
If you are going to serve alcohol, then you should be sure to use a coaster. There is nothing worse than walking into a restaurant with a cold drink to sip on, only to take it back to your car only to discover you spill it on the floor. This is not acceptable in any establishment, let alone an Irish pub. If you want to serve a certain type of beverage, then you may have to purchase your drink from a specific establishment, or at least be particular about the type of drink you are ordering.
The best thing you can do if you notice your bartender making a mistake is to be understanding. When you order your drinks, talk openly about what you are drinking. You don’t need to throw in a few guff at the bartender, but be audible when he makes a mistake. Say, “I am really sorry, I ordered an Irish double whiskey, please help me find the correct bar.” If he is still impossible to understand, then politely request that he find another employee so you can ask your bartender again. If he cannot comply with your request, then it is time to get out of there and find someone else to serve your drink.
Finally, do not pay in cash. In most establishments, it is rude and difficult to pay for drinks in cash. Instead, use a credit card, or a debit card. If you want to buy something extra, then buy it with a plastic card. In many establishments, if you pay in cash, you will be given a discount, such as one free drink, which is great during happy hour. Irish Pub etiquette should never require you to pay with plastic or cash, so use a credit card or debit card instead.
