Pubs are a key part of British culture, a place to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy a pint or two. However, even in these beloved institutions, certain behaviours can get on people’s nerves. We’ve listed 18 of the most annoying things Brits do at the pub.
Ordering Complicated Drinks
Tasting Table reveals that “any complicated ingredient list can cause a backlog of orders to form,” and when you’re waiting for your turn to order, the last thing you want is someone ahead of you asking for a mojito, a cosmopolitan, and a hot toddy. Pubs are for pints and simple spirits, so save the elaborate cocktails for a proper cocktail bar.
Hogging the Bar
There’s always that one person who seems to think the bar is their personal space. They lean on it, spread out their belongings, and make it difficult for anyone else to get served. It’s as if they believe they’ve rented the bar for the evening, and everyone else is just an inconvenience.
Queue Jumping
There’s an unspoken rule in British pubs about who’s next in line, and breaking this rule is a cardinal sin. Nothing is more infuriating than someone barging in front of you, pretending not to notice that you’ve been waiting patiently. It’s just not on.
Talking Loudly
Pubs are social places, but some people take it too far by talking or laughing at a volume that’s disruptive to everyone else. It’s great that you’re having a good time, but remember, no one else needs to hear every detail of your conversation.
Hogging the Dartboard
A game of darts can be a fun way to spend an evening at the pub, but it’s less enjoyable when one group monopolises the dartboard all night. It’s a shared space, after all, and everyone should get a turn. It’s only fair to let others have a go instead of acting like you’re in a professional tournament.
Using the Fruit Machine
While it’s perfectly fine to have a few goes on the fruit machine, some people take it to extremes, and they’ll spend hours there, hogging the machine and annoying everyone waiting for a turn. Plus, the constant noise of the machine can be a bit much after a while.
Not Buying Rounds
Buying rounds is a time-honoured pub tradition. It’s how you show you’re part of the group. But there’s always someone who conveniently disappears when it’s their turn to buy, and it’s annoying and unfair to the rest of the group, who are left picking up the slack.
Leaving a Mess
Pubs are busy places, and it’s only polite to tidy up after yourself. Yet some people think nothing of leaving empty glasses, food wrappers, and a general mess for someone else to clean up. It’s not just lazy; it’s disrespectful to the staff and other patrons.
Hogging the Jukebox
Music is part of the pub atmosphere, but when one person hogs the jukebox and plays only their favourite tunes all night, it can be irritating. Variety is the spice of life, and everyone should get a chance to hear something they like, so don’t be a jukebox dictator.
Complaining About the Prices
Pubs have to make a living, too, and constantly moaning about the cost of drinks is a real buzzkill. If you think it’s too expensive, you can always go somewhere else; nobody wants to spend their night listening to complaints.
Bringing Kids to the Pub
Pubs are adult spaces, and while some are family-friendly, bringing young children into a busy, noisy pub can be a bit much. It’s a place for grown-ups to relax, not for kids to run around, so a bit of consideration for other patrons goes a long way.
Hogging the Best Seats
We all have our favourite spots, but some people take it too far by wanting first pick on the comfiest seats or the prime tables for the entire evening. It’s frustrating for others who’d also like a chance to sit somewhere nice.
Talking About Work
Pubs are for unwinding and socialising, not for boring everyone with tales of your day at the office. There’s nothing more tedious than someone who can’t switch off. Don’t insist on bringing the mood down with work talk, especially if it’s negative.
Being Overly Drunk
Having a few drinks is one thing, but getting excessively drunk and causing a scene is another. It’s uncomfortable for everyone else, especially the staff who have to deal with the fallout, so make sure you know your limits and drink responsibly.
Hogging the TV
Whether it’s for sports or something else, hogging the TV and demanding that everyone else watch what you want is just plain rude. The pub isn’t your living room, and everyone deserves a say in what’s on the screen.
Smoking Too Close to the Door
With smoking banned inside, smokers often congregate just outside the entrance, and this can make it unpleasant for everyone else trying to come and go. A bit of courtesy in stepping a few feet away can make a big difference.
Arguing with the Staff
Pub staff work hard and deal with a lot of things. Arguing with them over trivial matters is not only annoying but also disrespectful. Therefore, a bit of patience and politeness go a long way in making everyone’s experience better, whether customer or employee.
Leaving Without Saying Goodbye
In British pub culture, it’s considered good manners to say goodbye to your mates when you leave. Sneaking off without a word, known as the ‘Irish goodbye,’ can be seen as rude and leaves your friends wondering what happened to you. It’s a small thing, but it matters.
