Φωτογραφίες

Taken from the book of Kate Fox "Passeport to the pub"

Rule number one: There is no waiter service in British pubs. You have to go up to the bar to buy your drinks, and carry them back to your table.
One of the saddest sights of the British summer (or the funniest, depending on your sense of humour) is the group of thirsty tourists sitting at a table in a pub, patiently waiting for someone to come and take their order. In most cases, a friendly native will put them out of their misery by explaining rule number one, or they will figure it out for themselves, but in a busy pub it can be some time before the correct procedure becomes clear.

Rule number two: It is customary for one or two people, not the whole group, to go up to the bar to buy drinks.
You will notice that the bar counter of the pub is the only place in Britain in which anything is sold or served without the formation of a queue. In the pub, by contrast, we gather haphazardly along the bar counter.
This may appear contrary to all native instincts and customs, until you realise .and this is spooky .that the queue is still there, and the bar staff are aware of each person's position in the invisible queue. Bar staff are remarkably skilled at identifying who is next in the invisible queue at the counter, but they are not infallible.

Rule number three: To get served, you must attract the attention of the bar staff without making any noise or resorting to the vulgarity of too-obvious gesticulation. This is much easier than it sounds!
The object is to catch the barman's eye. Eye contact is all that is necessary to ensure that you have been spotted and will be served in your turn.

Rule number four: If you wish to pay for your drinks individually, then order individually; if you order as a group, the bar staff will total the cost and expect a single payment.
A common sight during the tourist season is the large group of tourists monopolising the entire bar counter, trying to order drinks collectively and pay individually, confusing the bar staff and annoying the regulars. If the
bar is busy, individual orders and payments will waste your time and the bar staffs, so it is best to elect a .spokesperson to order and pay for the drinks.

Rule number five: In most British pubs, you pay for your drinks in cash, immediately when you order them.
In terms of financial transactions, the ordinary British local is not a 20thcentury business. Although you will find some exceptions, the majority of local pubs do not take credit cards for drinks, and you will have to ask if you want a receipt. You should also expect to pay for each drink or round of drinks when you order it.