A recent survey has revealed that most French people (or at least most of those interviewed) think that French waiters and bar staff are surly and rude, a view that many visitors to Parisian bars and restaurants will undoubtedly sympathize with. In fact, those questioned feel that their countrymen are so bad that even the British do a better job! Praise indeed although I’m sure we’ve all been to plenty of places in our own country and encountered the same problem.

I was in New York last week and saw an advertisement for a “Bar Tending School” where people who want to become bartenders have to take and pass a course before being set free to serve the public. This strikes me as being a very good idea and I think it shows how the bar tending and waiting-on occupations are valued, at least in New York.

Anybody who has travelled to the USA will agree that bartenders in that country are generally of a very high standard. Mind you, they have to be since they are paid peanuts and rely on tips to boost their income. In short, they have the incentive to carry out their jobs in a competent, friendly and efficient manner. That’s all that’s required actually, incentive, proper training and pride in a job which is regarded as a profession rather than a menial task to be endured until something better comes along.

I think we would do well to follow the American example. At least maybe then we could avoid the look of incomprehension on the faces of some bar staff when we have to ask for ice and lemon with our gin and tonics! This has happened to me on more than one occasion in the UK!

Bartending and waiting-on are without doubt important and significant occupations. If you’re unsure about that just think how easy it is for your expensive celebratory night out to be ruined by bad service and incompetent, surly staff.