: Dick : Now that bartending is recognised as an acceptable career choice, do you think that young people are looking towards working in bars as a life long occupation? Or do you think they are going to opt out into other career paths?
Tony : There seems to be a few career bartenders now. Saying that, I think a lot decide that the hours and the pay make it impossible to continue far on that path and start looking elsewhere, either outside the industry or within, with, for example, functions companies, or as brand reps. This factor does pull good bartenders out from behind the bar. Could this be to our detriment?
Dick : There does seem to be an eternal search for better pay, conditions and probably more fun and kudos. The problem is there is a cap on the amount of money a bartender can actually earn serving drinks and running bars. It is not an occupation which is going to make you rich. There seems to be a belief that you can come into the bar industry as an intelligent, motivated, young person and fast track your way to management, club running or working within the corporate liquor industry. Meanwhile, the other side of the industry - traditional hotel bars for example - is full of people working 15 to 20 years in their jobs with pride and dedication, paying the Mortgage, raising a family. The hip side we dwell in is full of nomads looking for the 'golden tip'; an extraordinary and telling difference.
Tony : Yes, you're right. This is a noticeable difference; it is possibly something we could learn from our counterparts. There is more of a progressional line with the rewards being more substantial at the end, but much stronger link maintained within the bar even when promoted. There does seem to be a more of a choice of path (rather than a 'fell into it' mentality) and a sticking to that path. By practicing your craft over years and years surely you perfect it.
Dick : The industry has changed and is changing. Both owners and operators wish to retain their staff and invest in them as workers, to train them, educate them and promote them. It is this (and better pay) that will keep people in the trade and encourage youngsters to choose bartending as a career. But isn't this a uniquely British problem? The experience of Canadian, U.S. and Australian bartenders has been very different. That's why I keep employing them!