Then they wonder where the customers are

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:20

Last night after dinner we decided to go for a drink at a bar quite close to us, from outside it looked lovely, warm and cosy, open fire,comfortable seating, and just one customer. We went in and were surprised as the owner behind the bar hardly acknowledged us, but heh ho, we ordered our drinks and sat down by the fire. We sat there chatting, just us,( the other customer was I think related to the family), we finished our drinks and ordered another, in all we were there a couple of hours. Not once did the owner speak to us, ask if everything was ok, make any conversation at all and when we left he barely replied to our " goodnight, thank you".

When I go into a bar I do not expect to be made a fuss of but I do expect some civility from the owner/staff, I also like to feel welcome, not as though I am an intruder. If this is the best that this bar can offer then I'm afraid that it won't last long, it is not in a tourist area so does more or less have to rely on local people for their

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:23

Hattikins

Which bar are you referring to or at least what area is it in.



Chris

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:27

Contd.

custom. I know that times are tough for all the bars and restaurants at this time of the year but they do have to make an effort to welcome the few customers there are.

I am not going to name the bar as that would only damage the business even more than their attitude will, but they do post on this forum and were using a laptop when we were there, I just hope that they, and any other bar owners with the same attitude read this and take note, if you want to succeed in business then a good start is to be pleasant to your customers. They do not have to visit your bar, there are plenty more to choose from.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:34

as me old uncle Percy used to say "they aye gorra a bleedin' clue...."

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:47

We had exactly the same experience last year at a place that had recently opened. Havent been back. But have seen the owner/manager on here saying how tough things are!



We have a bar back in the UK. We always meet, greet, chat to and build a relationship with our customers and even the regulars and friends that come in ALWAYS get a 'thanks for coming in'. Surely that's what its about and that's what pays the bills for goodness sake!!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:49

RE msg 1, hattikins: Really, you MUST tell me where this bar is! Open fire! Computer! No other customers! Owner who minds his own business and obviously doesn't start talking about football or the weather! What a great place! Where is it, please, hattikins? Please?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 11:53

Forgot to ask: there's no music in this great bar either, I hope?

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 12:05

Dutch,

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but you just have to make some comment don't you. Perhaps that type of bar suits you but then again you do have some funny ideas, what ever floats your boat !

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 12:45

Maybe they take Guilders as well!



Richard

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 12:53

DC is right.

A quiet, snug bar with low background music (or better still none) is just the job for some people like me and, it seems, Hans.

Not everyone wants big-screen TV and/or loud music.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 12:55

Hattikins, suspicious as usual, eh? Just one question about your post. Why tell this bar owner and other bar owners your opinion (from anonymity, which is your forte - you think... ) instead of telling him how to improve his behaviour when you left his bar? Isn't it as informative when I would write: "I've seen bacon in a supermarket, but it was more expensive than in another supermarket."?

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 12:56

Me vote DC as well.

Nice to have a quiet bar choice.

Chegs

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 13:01

My point was, make your customers feel welcome, I didn't mean ask their life history or their favourite football team, just Hello, everything ok and thank you, goodnight, not too much to ask, but each to their own of course.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 13:02

RE msg 10, TRNCVaughan: (...) A quiet, snug bar with low background music (or better still none) is just the job for some people like me and, it seems, Hans. (...)

=> Without any sarcasm: exactly. A good bar is brown from smoke inside, with people who talk to each other if they have something to say. No music (go to a disco), some simple food (I remember chicken in the basket in London), no Sunday lunches (go to a restaurant) and more "no's"... - in short: a simple, old-fashioned bar.

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 13:31

Message 10, couldn't agree more. we have stopped going out now, as we hate plasma screens and loud music, particularly those who think they can sing. What's happened to intelligent conversation?

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 13:40

We went into a bar/restaurant in Ozankoy a group of ex pats stood at the bar, my husband went to the bar said hello to one of the group who didn't speak turned away and completely ignored us, saying that we are from the North a bit of UK North South divide I think.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 13:41

I too enjoy bars without television, loud music and definitely no kareoke, but I do like to be shown the common courtesy of a greeting and such like. This particular bar could have been everything we were looking for but sadly it's not to be, shame really.

Lazy days


Joined: 24/07/2008
Posts: 847

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 14:09

Hattikins

you should not waste time posting this kind of thing unless you are prepared to name the establishment, but then if you did perhaps the bar owner might respond with another version of events !!

DC has my vote as well, except for the smoking yeuk!

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 14:28

What do we go into a bar for?



for greetings?



for welcomes and fuss?



for idle chit chat about the weather?



or for a damm good guzzle



i know what i go for,and couldnt care less if the bar man / maid only ask me what i want,no time for idle gossip when im drinking!!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 16:17

Hattikins, what you called my 'sarcasm' seems to have some approval in this thread, doesn't it?

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 16:36

Yes it appears so, and if that has made you happy then you are a sadder person than I thought.

I still think common courtesy should be shown to customers, but then I suppose that all depends on your own interpretation of good manners, it wouldn't do for us all to be the same would it.

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 17:00

hattikins the owner sounds a miserable git....hello/goodbye does not cost anything. Ignore DC, he seems to be on one of his down moods.



Cheers everbody!

kathy88


Joined: 01/12/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 17:55

i agree with you hattikins...the hole point about going out to a bar for a drink is to feel welcome and have a good old chit chate about a load of crapo...for the sados that dont wont music or customers ect stay home lollll injoy

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:11

RE msg 21, hattikins: (...) Yes it appears so, and if that has made you happy then you are a sadder person than I thought. (...)

=> What a bad loser you are!

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:19

Hattikins, you should come by Cafe Beyazde...i promise to give you the greeting and chatter you so rightly deserve as a paying customer!





DD

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:20

I'm sorry, I didn't realise it was a competition, I was merely expressing an opinion, do forgive me for having one.

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:25

I just love cyprus44..

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:28

Best bar none..............

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:32

and so many well mannered people

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:40

RE msg 29, hattikins: (...) and so many well mannered people (...)

=> Madam, from your posts in the past: you're not exactly the person to recognise them.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:42

Hans, Oh Dear, Oh Dear

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 18:47

Hattikins: sigh...

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 20:30

kathy88

spot on "for the sados that dont wont music or customers ect stay home lollll injoy ".

Guess those types should take a holiday in Stornoway ,they would really love Sundays, and leave the tourists in NC to enjoy themselves.

When running a catering establishment, good manners cost nothing but bad manners will cost plenty.

If establishments want to act so indifferently to customers ,fair enough, but dont bleat about loss of tourism in the next breath.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 20:54

There is no doubt that different people want different experiences from their bar/restaurant visits. I know what I want and I have found the establishments that suit me and if any of these establishments decided to introduce Karaoke, quiz nights or anything else that attracts Brit expats in their droves then they would lose my regular custom.

AJ

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:01

AJ mine too, we are always asked to do it and we have to answer we leave it to the experts/ maybe they are right aS these places attract the customers. We are not a bar so thank god we cant do it but it is horses for courses and they will still go to the places that offer this service, and good luck to the bars etcthat does. Supply and demand it seems xxxxxxx

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:09

Agreed AJ and i also understand what Carol is saying, a bit of common courtesy doesn't go amiss no matter what sort of establishment it is.



Cooper

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:15

COOPS right as usual , i totally understand and i can only guess where she was, but with whats open here its not hard xxxxxxxxxxx

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:42

two drinks in two hours. Maybe the owner didn't speak in case he slowed your drinking down. Apart from saying "2 pints of lager and a packet of crisps" on entering, "same again" later and mumbling "good night and thank you" on leaving, did you try to instigate any conversation?

I hate to agree with Hans, so I won't, but Zerochlor seems to have it spot on.



Tony

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:44

RE msg 38, minertor: (...) I hate to agree with Hans, so I won't, but Zerochlor seems to have it spot on. (...)

=> Let's compromise: we both agree with Zerochlor, OK?

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:57

never want to get caught in a "compromising situation" Hans, but just this once, OK.



Tony

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 21:59

minertor - message 38.



But surely, two drinks in two hours is better than no drinks in two hours?



I have to agree with Hattikins - common courtesy costs nothing.



Personally, I would think trying to strike up a conversation with an obviously disinterested barman, who's engrossed in his laptop, is hardly conducive to starting a conversation? In fact, she made a point of saying that she didn't want to share her life story with anyone - just a pleasant word would have sufficed?



And, surely, you don't need to go and get legless to have a pleasant evening?



Jean

natalie


Joined: 03/05/2009
Posts: 323

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 22:01

Don't you think this topic has been done to death? Or are you all that bored?

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 22:15

Just to put this to bed, it was a bar, not a restaurant, how much I drank is immaterial, we did not prop up the bar, we sat at a table by the fire and at no time did the owner even indicate that he was interested that we were there.

On entering the premises he barely spoke, when my other half went to the bar to order another drink the bloke had gone outside so it was his partner who served, her conversation consisted of, "do you want a clean glass" and when we left again the owner hardly spoke. If that is how they want to treat customers that's fine but we won't be going back. Hope that satisfies the Caped Crusader.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 22:19

RE msg 43, hattikins: (...) Hope that satisfies the Caped Crusader. (...)

=> If you write personal messages to me you might as well email me and don't bother others with repeats in this thread.

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 23:05

hattikins,



There is no excuse for bad manners from (anyone !!!) I would feel the same way as you did, no excuse for it.



Having been in business and SERVING the public for 30 odd years, yes sometimes I didn't feel so well or up to small conversation but I got on with it. A smile and 'Hello how are you' costs nothing and you hope by being friendly may make the customer come back.



A lot of (sorry to say) British people with no experience of dealing with customers have bought businesses/bars in NC and have got disiillustioned by the fact that people were not beating down their doors.



Let's see how long they last. Everyone votes with their feet............

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 23:27

Natalie.....done to death me thinks....bring in the axe

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 23:47

Are the bar owners British or TC?

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
16/02/2010 23:50

JD Wetherspoon . now i think they have got the right policy. There bar personnel Ask.what would you like sir/madam! serve you and walk away,no small talk at the bar stopping the customer from guzzling his pint down or her brandy sour!!

There concept works and people go back day after day and there bar staff are really long faced and give you not a little bit of conversation,from what i can remember.

Diffrent strokes for diffrent folks,personally id rather enjoy my vodka with out some stranger stood bored outta there head behind a bar trying to make small talk with me .

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 00:01

Have you noticed here that when you shop, supermarket or other, the assistants rarely smile, until you do. Next time you go to the supermarket checkout, try a few words of Turkish, it works wonders. Don't walk in and out with a stiff upper lip and expect the locals to try to break the ice. How can you know how these people see us, all some of us seem to do is moan that it isn't like this "at home" " I ran a bar and always spoke to customers" how many customers didn't speak the language. I never expect anyone to conform to my way of life, nor will I conform to theirs. I have complained as much as anyone about the way things are done here, but I'm learning.



Tony

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 00:07

Just go somewhere else where the atmosphere, chat is better. There are loads of places to have a drink!!!

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 00:09

I dont think Hattikins wanted a conversation with the bar staff. She was just saying that if staff cant be bothered extending a smile and a welcome when customers enter any place of business and a thank you and goodbye when they leave, then its a bit of a poor do. Thats all.



Cor flippin ek, its hard work sometimes.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 00:17

This might sound like nostalgia but it isn’t. It’s a plea for difference; a plea for nuance and a plea for individuality. There have always been bad pubs, places where you could be pinned to the wall with a pool cue for merely being in the wrong part of town, but the good, bad and indifferent all had one thing in common – they were different. A good landlord could make a pub and a bad one ruin it, and this was the case regardless of whether it was a free house or a tied house. Now we have managers who don’t have to build a rapport with anyone except the regional manager.Because JDWitherspoons sell good cheap beer and food and thats all they need to keep doing to bring back the customers time and time again.



But i suppose it should be diffrent in cyprus!!



Should it?



Next time you go into that quiet bar spare a thought for that poor bar person bored behind the bar waiting for you to walk in and put a smile on his or her face!



oh this russian vodka is damm good

TheStonedCrow


Joined: 27/06/2009
Posts: 96

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 00:49

Remember when you go into a bar



It is not a bus stop it is a bar ( 2 drinks in 2 hours )



"OFF YOU GO"



I even said welcome to Dutch in my bar many moons ago



TSC

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 11:43

Agree totally with DC if I want music or a quiz they are well advertised, but if I go to a bar with friends its nice to chat and have laugh.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 11:52

For God Almightys sake, I don't want a quiz, music, or to get plastered, just a show of manners from the owner, simple.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:12

How to stop this thread, Mrs. Hattikins (manners!)?

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:15

You know? Over the years I have consulted with many a prospective investor to accompany me down the challenging route of purchasing a bar.

Initial reactions were almost always negative until I explained my unique and cunning plan (M’ Lord).

Just don’t let anyone in.

That way both owners and non customers would always be happy.



Chegs

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:20

Hattikins,



There is only one way to resolve this and that is to go back into the bar and tell them how you feel, ask to speak to the owner.



If you don't do something about it then nothing changes.



Chris

Chris and Sue


Joined: 07/08/2008
Posts: 272

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:25

We do try to chat with all of our customers, but it can be hard when we are busy to actually stop for a chin wag. Always time to smile and say hello though!



Looking forward to seeing you all when we re-open in April



Sue (The Hut)

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:28

Sue good to hear you are coming back soon we miss our Fridays at the Hut.



Even in August when you are run of your feet and boiling you always have a pleasant word for everyone. (well maybe sometimes not Chris).



Hope you are both well. See you soon.



Chris

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:30

Sue your smile never fades saw you last year and you were ill but still smiled and had a chat,looking forward to the Ham & Eggs



TT

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:30

NurseyChris.

"ask to speak to the owner"............please.

LOL

Chegs

ClaireCat44



Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 739

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:41

Shame Busters is no more as it would have been in its element now. So many 'new' customers.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:46

It will be good to have you back Sue and Chris, miss our lunchtimes at The Hut.

LostFound


Joined: 03/08/2009
Posts: 387

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 14:02

hattikins....I understand 100% where you are coming from. Is it run by ..who? I have experienced a lot of non customer relations from Cyps everywhere, bars, gov offices, shops etc etc. I have felt so underminded at times, waiting at counters and their heads down not acknowledging you or talking to their colleagues and wont give you recognition until they are ready. Ive been to Gov offices and had meetings with superiors, thinking that whilst Im talking, they are making calls about my problem but NO. The dentist even accepts mobile calls whilst drilling my teeth. Went into the Tapu and said to a member of staff is this the correct office to have a Will registered, she said no, then proceeded to walk out the door (me thinking she was taking me to the correct office) only for me to follow her to the outside toilet...had to laugh at that one. I cried my heart out at a Gov office the other week and no one offered me a little tea from their swinging tray. Maybe its not their fault.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 14:07

Lostfound, it was an Englishman, but it's water under the bridge now, people will vote with their feet.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 15:46

Hattikins



That's the answer it was an Englishman NOW if it had been a Scot that would never have happened. !!!

bazilbrush


Joined: 29/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 16:48

I walked into a bar last week and got knocked out................ it was an iron bar. Boom Boom

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 16:53

If I go into a Bar it's obvious I'm going to spend some money. Therefore I expect the owner / manager / or whoever is in charge to at least have the decency to acknowledge me and 'give me the time of day' - especially if there is hardly anyone in there. Politeness doesn't cost anything!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
18/02/2010 06:42

Initially strange in Oz when entering a bar or checking out at a supermarket I'm asked," G'day how's your day been?" Slightly Americanised but better then some surly, grumpy pom bartender grunting on what order of drinks I want and begrudgingly serving them. How dare I tread on his private space of inactivity!



Richard

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
18/02/2010 08:25

Joined: 04/04/2009

Posts: 3252



Message Posted:

18/02/2010 06:42

Reply Message 70 of 70 in Discussion



Initially strange in Oz when entering a bar or checking out at a supermarket I'm asked," G'day how's your day been?"



Do they still greet you thus once they get to know you, Richard?



Tony

decanddyl


Joined: 17/01/2009
Posts: 792

Message Posted:
18/02/2010 20:19

msg. 67 Got to agree !!!!!!!