Prepping for Your Shift
The first thing a bartender does when they start their shift is prep. They make sure the bar is ready, and that any chores from the previous shift have all been completed. Preparation often includes tasks like restocking the bar, checking the equipment, and even refilling the ice bins. Finishing everything before customers start arriving is essential for things to run smoothly—a night could start off with a trickle, or a steady flow of customers coming in by the dozen, and no bartender wants to find they are short on stock right as a rush hits!
A Bartender’s Role During Peak Hours
Once customers start coming, a bartender needs to be ready and alert for a fast-paced, frenetic environment. A key skill that bartenders need to have is excellent attention to detail. This is because they need to keep track of everything that’s going on around them, to be able to determine which customers need their attention.
Bartenders need to be friendly, efficient and knowledgeable, and they need to look confident and comfortable behind the bar. Customers will stop trusting a bartender if they look like they don’t know what to do!
A bartender also needs to know how to handle varying situations while keeping a cool head on their shoulders. They might need to deal with persistent customers who are rude or intoxicated—or both! Only time and experience improves the ability to handle these tricky situations with confidence, and that’s why many people choose to attend barista courses for bartending to improve their skills. By investing in one of the excellent short courses Auckland has to offer for bartending and mixology, people can ensure they start with skill and confidence.
At the End of a Shift
The end of the night is just like the start—it’s time to clean up and re-stock. Cleaning includes jobs like mopping floors, wiping surfaces, and organising the fridge and liquor.
Shifts can go as late as 3-4am in the morning—it’s possible for a bartender to work only day hours, but it’s uncommon, as most rosters involve both day and night shifts.
Unwinding for the Night
After a long shift of being on your feet, it’s nice to unwind! Many bartenders unwind by spending time with their co-workers after work, or just relaxing at home however they prefer. Getting enough sleep is vital for bartenders as well—especially if they have a hectic night shift coming up the next day!
Perks of Bartending
A bartender’s life is always interesting, because no two nights of work are the same. Working as a bartender is a highly valuable and versatile line of work, and if you’re interested, visit the Crown Institute of Studies to learn more about how this kind of work experience can take you around the world!
