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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not want to download a bloody app to order a drink in the pub or wait for waiter sevice

216 replies

Hilsea · 17/09/2021 22:57

Grr

So this afternoon I had 2 hours to spare before picking up daughter and so I thought I would go to the pub to sit outside, relax and take in the sun. I havent been to many pubs over the past two years owing to lockdowns etc so I was pleased to have this opportunity

First pub I went to (traditional pub, part of chain, classy (not spoons!)) I went in to the bar and was told rudely - 'its only table service now - take a seat and we will come and take your order'. So I went outside and sat down in sight of the door expecting a server to come shortly. One passed by twice and I tried to catch her eye, neither time did she make eye contact or seemed to want to take my order - I waited 10 minutes before leaving.

Pub number two (again part of chain, classy, good range of wines) I went in and was stopped from ordering being told that I needed to download the app and order that way and basically to get out of the bar. So I walked straught out of the door - I cant be bothered to download an app

Third pub (individual, but I found out later actually part of chain, classy) I walked into, ordered drink at bar, paid and walked outside to table where I was able to drink it. Hoorah -

Why cant pubs just get back to normal and offer the service that customers actually want? The value of a pub is going to the bar and seeing the range of drinks available and then making a choice and making a swift transaction. If I want table service I will go to a bar or cafe, I go to a pub for the minimum of hassle of obtaining the drink.

AIBU to expect this? Will things ever get back to normal?

There; rant over!

OP posts:

sunflowerdaisies · 17/09/2021 23:24

My local is part of a chain and I love the app ordering, though you are definitely not unreasonable not to like it. The pub i go to regularly also has normal ordering and I'm pleased.

I'm very sociable and go there to meet friends. The owner comes over for a chat but I don't have to queue or leave my friends while waiting for a drink, perfect for me!

Rozziie · 17/09/2021 23:26

I don't know if it's unreasonable, but I certainly prefer ordering through an app while the pandemic is still going on. I have zero interest in unnecessary interaction with the bar staff or other customers indoors. I go straight outside and use the app to order, and to be honest I really do not miss queuing at the bar at all. I have spent a lot of my life on the continent so am used to table service and much prefer it.

hettie · 17/09/2021 23:26

I have hate hate app ordering, you've got to come to my table to deliver the order anyway why not just take the order too.....I funny mind accessing a menu via an app/qr code but scrolling through of tapping when I just want to chat with my friends...big fat no from me

Rogue1001 · 17/09/2021 23:28

I for one am relieved op had a choice of 3 classy pubs.

They were classy, dotcha know

2Rebecca · 17/09/2021 23:28

I hate app ordering especially as real ales are rarely on them and the wifi is often dodgy..it makes popping in for a dri k a thing of the past. Our local pub has distancing but bar service but is a small non chain pub with good spacing and regulars. Large chain pubs are best for loving their apps

Gothichouse40 · 17/09/2021 23:33

I prefer to order via a person, an app cannot tell if you need GF food or not and invariably GF choices are never there. I cannot stand ordering through apps and sorry, if this becomes a ' thing', I will be eating at home. I cannot be bothered with the hassle.

Timeforachangetoday12 · 17/09/2021 23:35

I don’t mind the apps!
Recently been to two pubs and the table service has been dire. Both husband and I have worked previously in the industry (many years ago!) and frustrated by how bad the customer service is. Its not the front staff fault (lack of training aside) but seems no one is ensuring table cover etc
Though today we had a lovey meal good service, isn’t a chain! The staff where being given tips and thanking them for such good service ! Was good to see!

VeryQuaintIrene · 17/09/2021 23:37

I'm a massive introvert and i loathe the apps. They're fiddly and totally tiresome.

rainbowmash · 17/09/2021 23:40

As a smaller woman I'm thrilled that I don't have to "queue" with a bunch of loud, loitering, elbowing men at the bar, and actually have a chance of getting served at the same time as everyone else!!! Much more civilized.

Downloading an app and clicking a menu isn't a hassle unless you're genuinely digitally excluded (I agree that's a problem) or if you're a boomer who thinks it's a virtue-signal to hate having to navigate smartphones because it makes you look no-nonsense and down-to-earth.

OkOkWhatsNext · 17/09/2021 23:40

Nope. I want to interact with the people I came to the pub with, not the staff. I can do that better sitting at a table with them han standing in a queu at the bar waiting to be served. I love table ordering on website/app. Also means when you buy food you don’t have the inevitable 10 min wait between waiter bringing the bill and actually coming to take the payment when you just a want to pay and leave!

OkOkWhatsNext · 17/09/2021 23:41

Queue

TurquoiseDress · 17/09/2021 23:43

Oooh I much prefer the app!

After spending so much time trying to get bloody served at the bar, being short & in someone's armpit while trying to catch the attention of bar staff!

But the app can be dangerous- ordering drinks & not getting up then realising how tipsy you really are!

SwedishEdith · 17/09/2021 23:44

@gofg

Oh well, if they want to turn away custom so be it. Many people, and not just the elderly, can't/don't want to download apps for everything, so they will just go elsewhere. Customer service is a dying art apparently, and the customer just becoming a nuisance.

But table service is customer service which is what happened in the first pub. And, regardless, "the elderly" are not really most pubs' target market.

Alittlenonsensenowandthen · 17/09/2021 23:46

Aww I'm just reminiscing about my 20s and the interesting dates I had on the back of meeting at the bar waiting for a drink....or having a drink bought me. I know very 2021/feminist etc but what'll happen if there's just apps?!

SMabbutt · 17/09/2021 23:54

When I've tried to use the apps half the time they won't download or work properly, I try and order something and then have someone come and tell me it isn't available, and if I only want a drink I can end up waiting ages for it to be brought out to me. I can see the attraction if you frequent very busy bars in the evening but for a quiet lunchtime drink it's just a pain. It's also not accessible to some people and I don't just mean the elderly, many of whom can manage apps perfectly well. People with some disabilities will also struggle. There needs to be a choice.

SquirrelFan · 17/09/2021 23:55

Don't like apps. Don't like self-service tills. I am an introvert, but I like to chat one-on-one with the person providing a service. I understand in a pandemic we need to modify our behaviour, but I hope it can go back to normal soon.

NuffSaidSam · 17/09/2021 23:56

@Alittlenonsensenowandthen

Dating went app based years ago! Pre-pandemic.

HotelCaliforniaOnRepeat · 17/09/2021 23:56

Bear in mind how short staffed most places are. Apps make it easier for the staff, and save time, it won't kill you to download an app to be helpful.
It's a seriously hard time for hospitality as a whole, if downloading an app helps then I'm quite happy to do so even if I prefer bar service as a norm.

NuffSaidSam · 17/09/2021 23:58

There does need to be a choice for those who need it, but I haven't been in a single pub that didn't offer that choice when needed. You just have to tell them that it's not possible for whatever reason.

MummyJ12 · 18/09/2021 00:10

I really hate ordering from the app too. Sometimes, you have to register with the company’s app first which is an even bigger faff. They want to know all about you before you can even order!
Maybe it’s me being useless and ancient but it takes me ages to do. This is me;

Scroll, scroll, scroll, click. 5 minutes of scrolling and clicking later adding various items and being completely unsociable (also getting more wrinkles by the second because I’m frowning and concentrating too much)…..where the fuck are the fucking olives?! Oh no, that item didn’t add. Go back. Oh, the full order has now disappeared. Aargh!

I’d rather stay home and order deliveroo, than all that app palaver, it’s the same level of service and I can drink my own wine 😂

Agree with a pp that Pizza Hut is particularly awful (never again), and also, agree that if they can bring your food they can take your order. They’re the same distance away?!
Wagamama was good today, that’s back to normal pretty much. Thankfully my local pub is also back to normal. No QR codes to be seen, hurrah!
YANBU OP.

timeisnotaline · 18/09/2021 00:15

Apps for ordering are normal these days and that’s not going to change. Good luck boycotting everywhere that does it.

BashfulClam · 18/09/2021 00:18

@MummyJ12 I have never had a ‘full order disappear’ when ordering in an app. Many times my phone will auto fill name and contact fields too.

MummyJ12 · 18/09/2021 00:24

It was lighthearted @BashfulClam but I have got into some pickles while navigating ordering from an app/QR code

BashfulClam · 18/09/2021 00:26

Really I find it so easy. Although I did order two cocktails in the Slug and Lettuce and got 4 as it was 2 for 1. I love using an app rather than trying to get served at a busy bar, it’s so much easier for me. I keep all the food apps in a folder so they aren’t cluttering up my screen.

HailAdrian · 18/09/2021 00:31

Gosh, how lazy are you lot if you can't even cope with standing at a bar for a bit? 😂

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