The Great Pub Queue Debate: Orderly Lines Versus Traditional Bar Scrum
A recent discussion in the Guardian's letters section has ignited a passionate debate about the evolving etiquette in British pubs, specifically focusing on the rise of single-file queues versus the traditional, often chaotic, "scrum" at the bar. This conversation highlights a cultural shift that divides opinion between those who see queueing as a democratic improvement and others who view it as an unnecessary formality.
Stephen Mansfield Advocates for Queueing as a Fair Solution
Stephen Mansfield from Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, strongly defends the practice of orderly queueing in pubs. Drawing on his extensive experience working in the hospitality industry, he argues that a clear line of customers would have been "an absolute delight" during his years behind the bar. Mansfield points out that bar staff already face significant challenges without the added difficulty of managing a disorderly crowd.
He emphasises that the scrum approach can disadvantage more diffident, neurodiverse, or differently abled patrons, who might be overlooked or physically elbowed aside by brasher, more assertive customers. Mansfield suggests that if pub owners are dissatisfied with queueing, they should critically examine their own operations rather than blaming their clientele.
Key areas for improvement include:
- The layout and design of the bar area to facilitate smoother service.
- The efficiency of dispensing equipment and till systems.
- The usability of various payment methods to reduce transaction times.
- The motivation and job satisfaction levels of staff, which directly impact service speed.
Mansfield views queueing as a democratic solution that works for everyone, ensuring fairness and reducing stress for both customers and employees.
Jacqueline Douglas Observes the Persistence of Queueing Culture
Jacqueline Douglas from Weston Colville, Cambridgeshire, shares an anecdote from the Nicholson's pub at the O2 Arena in London, where a sign humorously declared, "We're a pub not a post office, no need to queue." Despite this attempt to discourage formal lines, Douglas found herself in one of three queues that had spontaneously formed.
This experience underscores the deeply ingrained British tendency towards orderly queueing, even in settings where it might seem out of place. Douglas reflects on decades of relying on an unspoken system of courtesy among patrons and the skill of bar staff to determine who should be served next. However, on that particular evening, she felt "too British" to bypass the queue and assert herself at the bar, highlighting how social norms can override practical considerations.
Patrick Cosgrove Comments on Broader Generational Shifts
Patrick Cosgrove from Bucknell, Shropshire, takes a broader view, linking the queueing phenomenon to other perceived changes in youth behaviour. He expresses bemusement at young people today, noting trends such as opting for zero-alcohol drinks, abstaining from sex until marriage or altogether, avoiding smoking including cannabis, attending church, and not learning to drive.
Cosgrove's letter, while somewhat tongue-in-cheek, suggests that the adoption of pub queues is part of a larger cultural transformation that contrasts sharply with the more libertine attitudes of previous generations. This perspective adds depth to the debate, framing it within wider societal shifts rather than isolated pub etiquette.
Implications for Pub Culture and Customer Experience
This letters exchange raises important questions about the future of British pub culture. The transition from a free-for-all scrum to organised queueing reflects changing social values, particularly around inclusivity, fairness, and consideration for others. For neurodiverse individuals or those with disabilities, a structured queue can make the pub experience more accessible and less intimidating.
However, it also challenges traditional notions of pub sociability, where the bar scrum was often seen as a lively, interactive space. Pub owners and managers must navigate these competing expectations, balancing efficiency with atmosphere. As Mansfield advises, operational improvements might reduce the need for queues, but if customers prefer this system, it could become a permanent feature of the modern pub landscape.
The Guardian continues to invite readers to submit their opinions on this and other topics, fostering a vibrant dialogue about contemporary issues in British society.
