So, I went for a drink with a mate on Xmas eve. Traditional but fairly upmarket pub in a well known market town.
As we approach bar there is a guy seated at the bar with his dog sat to the right of him, blocking the only gap in the bar stools. Somebody is already stood behind the dog waiting to get served.
We stand there for almost five mins, which is not unusual on a busy night like Xmas eve. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the bar staff are serving people who arrived at the other side of the bar after us.
Guy in front rolls his eyes and walks around bar to join the back of the queue at other end. My friend says something to the guy with dog and does the same (I assumed it was 'excuse me' or something similar, but now know know he actually said "is that dog going to be there all night mate?"
What happens next could've ended really badly! I'm stood back from the bar sending a text, obviously trying to leave space for people who want to get to the bar. I can hear the dog guy saying something (it was noisy) but am not assuming it's to my mate, who has his back turned.
I then suddenly realise the guy is saying things like "yeah, you keep your back to me, you fucking prick. I know you can hear me.' I thought at first my friend had accidentally jumped the queue (wouldn't be the first time when tipsy) so I ask him, and he looks at me then the guy and says " no, quite the opposite' before turning back around. I then asked the guy if he was waiting to be served and he said "no, your mate's Just being a cunt."
I honestly think this might've gone south if I'd not said something to break the tension. At the time I really wasn't sure what I should do if it kicked off. I'm not going to stand there and watch my friend get beaten up by a much bigger bloke, but it wouldn't have been the first time he's said something arsey whilst drunk so I was also wondering if we were the ones 'in the wrong', having not at that point been aware of what was said.
Not really an AIBU, but it defo reminded me of how quickly things can escalate with groups and alcohol and I'm usually pretty good with situational awareness.