With World Bartender Day fast approaching on Friday 24th February this year, we thought it was high time that we share the love and support that bartenders deserve. Our very own Luke Slater started off his career in this industry as a bartender, so this is definitely something close to our hearts.
Whether you’re a bartender yourself, you know someone who is or you just want to celebrate bartenders in general, this is the post for you!
History of World Bartender Day
World Bartender Day is an annual celebration of the bartending profession. The day was created to recognize the hard work, dedication and skills of bartenders everywhere, particularly as bartenders are responsible for creating unique and delicious drinks, as well as providing excellent customer service.
In addition to recognising the work of bartenders, World Bartender Day is an opportunity to showcase the history of the profession, in which the first official bartending job would have been held around the 1400s, but certainly bartending emerged several thousands of years ago with innkeepers and owners of alehouses. So although a little different to how we perceive it now, they still would have made their own brews and served customers.
Back then this profession would probably not be thought of very highly, but times have certainly changed and now we can’t imagine a hospitality establishment without them. Which explains why in 2018 World Bartender Day was created by Australia and New Zealand during a cocktail-making event and thanks to this we can celebrate the creative genius and talents of all those who work in bars across the globe.
What activities can you do to support your bartender?
There are several ways you can show your support to bartenders. If you are planning on going out this Friday, then just remember how indispensable bartenders are to this industry – we wouldn’t be able to enjoy a pub, bar or nightclub without them.
They are there to help make sure that you are having a good time, and that you have the beverage (normally the alcoholic kind) that you are after. If you don’t know what to drink, then you can even ask your bartender for recommendations and they’ll be more than happy to offer you their thoughts on the drinks that would suit you such as this Island Hopper whisky to try.
You never know, by simply talking to your bartender you might discover a new favourite drink, so just remember to talk to them, engage with your bartender and simply appreciate them, you’ll be grateful you did. If you’re not sure what you can do to help appreciate your bartender on World Bartender Day, you can find five suggestions below:
- Appreciate your bartender by being friendly
- Tip generously and appropriately
- Spread the word about how awesome them are
- Ask them what their favourite drink is
- Support them throughout the year and not just on this day
What else does World Bartender Day teach us?
This is a profession that has been around for years and it’s something that should be celebrated and appreciated. There is so much hard work that goes into bartending (or even being a cask connoisseur), more so than just pulling a simple pint. There is a wealth of knowledge in this industry and is something that deserves to be celebrated and remembered for its long and rich legacy.
Even if you’re not one for the history of bartending, World Bartender Day acts as a simple reminder to just be kind to one another. We’re all human at the end of the day and a kind word can go a long way, particularly when someone is having a tough time behind the bar (or just life in general). It also doesn’t go amiss to say thank you for all those late nights that the bartender will have worked to ensure that you have enjoyed your party night.
