1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

THE BARTENDERS

takes any liberties, his popularity is an asset and not a handicap. His knowledge of the locality is of inestimable value to the traveller,for the tourist will always look on him as the information bureau, and will be even more grateful if he can give the name of a colleague and establishment in the next city or town which the visitor proposes to stay in. A final summary, then, of our imaginary X-ray photograph! It shows our bartender as a man of many parts. He is an expert at mixing drinks, and is a man of knowledge in the field of wines and spirits. He is a diplomat, and a good conversationalist. He has all the qualities of the Three Wise Monkeys—Hear no evil. Speak no evil. See no evil—whilst in addition to these guarded characters, he has the eyes of a hawk for spotting anything wrong, a tongue which does not join in with the customers' conversations unless invited, and ears which are not permanent "listening-in sets"to all the chatter around him. Furthermore, with all these requirements fully met, he is always himself! For if he is successful in his calling, he will number among his friends princes and commoners, celebrities and humble folk. He will be"Allan "Ted", or"Harry"to the world and his wife. Unfortunately, humanity being what it is, one would indeed be lucky to find all these virtues in one person. Still it is meant to stress the point of careful selection, especially when one reflects that the personality of the "Man behind the Bar" will so often seem to influence the behaviour and type of clientele. Engaging the Right Man How then would one seek to find a suitable bartender ? There are several answers to such a question, and it would depend on whether one was in a desperate hurry or notfor staff. Ifthere was no immediate anxiety, the best proposition would be to advertise either in the Caterer and Hotel Keeper or in the national Press, and then await replies from applicants. In this way it gives a chance to someone who is already in a job, and contemplating a change,to make an application. Orsomeone who may be desirous of worBng in the locality in which the vacancy arises. On the other hand, if up against the time factor, or in preference to advertising as above,the best bet is to contactthe United Kingdom Bartenders' Guild (London). This organization has branches all

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