A man quickly leaves a pub after being reprimanded for the way he queued at the bar, feeling embarrassed by the confrontation.
A man walked out of a pub after being scolded for the way he queued at the bar. This incident sparked debate among pub-goers about the increasing trend of orderly, single-file queues in traditionally chaotic pub environments.
Unspoken rules of ordering at the pub
Most pub-goers are familiar with the unspoken rules of ordering.
In some places, it’s a free-for-all, while in others, regulars might allow those who arrived earlier to order first.
Some pubs even offer table service, but the classic pub atmosphere usually involves a bit of disorder.
The rise of the single-file queue trend
Lately, however, there’s been a shift towards more organized, single-file queues.
This trend, which feels more suited to a bus stop or checkout line, is becoming more common in pubs.
For some, it kills the lively, bustling vibe typically found at the bar.
Man leaves pub after being told off for how he queued at the bar
In Exeter’s Imperial Wetherspoons pub, a customer was reprimanded for not following the single-file queue.
The person, frustrated by the scolding, immediately left the pub.
A photo shared from the scene showed an orderly line of people waiting to order, with the bartender serving one customer at a time.
A growing movement against single-file pub queues
This incident comes amid growing frustration over the rise of the single-file queue in pubs.
A Twitter account has even emerged to campaign against this trend, calling it a “recent phenomenon.”
The account’s description reads, “We queue for the bus or checkout, not at bars.”
Pub-goers share their frustration
Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new queuing system, saying it feels “lockdown-like.”
Others argue it kills the traditional pub atmosphere where patrons jostle for position at the bar.
Some patrons are so against it that they vowed to leave any pub that requires such queues.
Support for the traditional pub ordering system
While some agree that a single-file queue can make things easier for staff, many find it unnecessary.
Others believe that it’s crucial to preserve the chaotic, bustling atmosphere that defines a pub experience.
One regular shared that while they dislike the single-file queue, it works well in smaller bars.
One person said: I just lay under the bar and wait for people to spill.
A second wrote: As a bartender I always advise people to just walk up to the bar rather than quieing, it’s much more quicker and efficient for me plus we’re not in lockdown anymore, I can also remember who was there first and who comes up last.
While a third commented: Ale be leaving now. But I’ll be bitter!
Someone else said: Went to one pub and someone who came in after me got served, so put my coat back on and walked out
Another added: The bar i frequented people would stand at the bar and in a line they redone the bar area now you pretty much have to stand in a linE.
Whether you prefer the free-for-all approach or a more organized queue, the debate over pub etiquette is heating up.
The rise of single-file queues may make service more efficient, but many pub-goers feel it undermines the pub’s traditional atmosphere.
It looks like the question of how to queue at the bar will continue to spark debate in pubs across the country.