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

[Hilsea]

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!

Not everyone wants to go back to queues at the bar. It may be your preference but it’s certainly not everyone’s. If you don’t like how somewhere is doing it, you don’t go surely.
Lots aren’t wearing masks and we are still so we just avoid certain places that aren’t actively promoting them as is our choice. Lots will prefer no masks though so are likely to use the service etc.

Maybe a hybrid would be better. Those who can and want to order via an app should do so, and those who don't have the technology should be able to order in person.

@XenoBitch

My phone is so old so no apps for me.

Me neither

Why would you install apps on your phone to buy a drink? Depending in your phone preferences, this could be a security risk. I'm assuming it's at least in Apple/Google play and not in the wild.

I think it's a fucking cheek to expect customers to install an app to buy a drink. I'd tell them to shove it.

I recently went to an outdoor bar on the Southbank, went up to order a beer and they said they could only give me the beer if it was take away otherwise I had to sit down, download the app and order there. Both options served in plastic and the place was empty. I left.

@MiladyBerserko

Why would you install apps on your phone to buy a drink? Depending in your phone preferences, this could be a security risk. I'm assuming it's at least in Apple/Google play and not in the wild.

I think it's a fucking cheek to expect customers to install an app to buy a drink. I'd tell them to shove it.

Exactly so they can use up all your data and bombard you with shit. It might work if you only go to the same few places but the number of apps I have on my phone is stupid. Everywhere wants you to download their fucking app

I think it's a fucking cheek to expect customers to install an app to buy a drink. I'd tell them to shove it

You don't need usually to install anything. Scan the QR code at the table, then order through the associated web page which pops up. Most smart phones will have a browser built in.

@MiladyBerserko

Why would you install apps on your phone to buy a drink? Depending in your phone preferences, this could be a security risk. I'm assuming it's at least in Apple/Google play and not in the wild.

I think it's a fucking cheek to expect customers to install an app to buy a drink. I'd tell them to shove it.

If you would be so disgustingly rude to the staff, I'm confident they'll be having similar thoughts about you 🙄

So do you enter your personal details in these apps?

Are you always so literal dumplings?

I prefer the app. I go out to spend time with the people I am out with so less time at the bar means more time with them.

@MiladyBerserko

So do you enter your personal details in these apps?

As I said in my previous reply to you - if you scan the QR code on the table you can then order from the menu which pops up in the browser without installing anything.

Sometimes can do qr code which is good. Most often they want the Full Monty, inside leg measurement etc

@MiladyBerserko

So do you enter your personal details in these apps?

It probably varies app to app but the ones I've used, only the information you'd usually enter to pay for something online.

I don’t download apps as a rule – for big companies their purpose is mostly data capture from your phone. You also shouldn’t be required to have a smart phone in order to drink in a pub!

I put YABU as for lots of people table service is more convenient, not everyone likes queuing at a bar.

You also could have just said that you’re unable to download an app (eg don’t have a phone that does that) and asked for alternatives.

I don't trust apps at all, so I never download random ones. Who knows what spyware/malware you might be inviting onto your phone. If I can't order and pay manually I would rather go without. I don't mind waiting if it takes longer.

But sometimes there is an actual install i think?

Bloody hate these things, fiddly and takes ages. I don't want to set up an account with a password and give some corporation my postcode and email address just to order a pint! Thankfully my local and most pubs here don't use them.

Fucking hell. The store card thing was a marketer's dream, they must be peeing their pants with apps.

I prefer to pay my bill via the app and then just vacate. I don’t feel so obliged to leave a tip then either

I hate having to get my phone out and scan the QR code at the table to read the menu.
I'm coeliac so I can't order via my phone in most places anyway.
My parents wouldn't be able to do that on their phone easily too.

But sometimes there is an actual install i think?

Not IME. DC who go out vastly more don't have apps installed for ordering either - the QR scan option is what they use. Some chains offer an app with other services but that doesn't mean you need it to order.

The few classy places I have eaten in and downloaded their app I haven't received any spam maybe an email after which I've deleted and unsubscribed from if I'm not going to go again. Some have sent offers which I've taken up.

It might be a marketers dream but if doesn't seem to have affected me greatly.

But I am one of those weirdos that passes over my top secret postcode to shop assistants willy nilly if they ask-and to get online receipts.

OP, I think you are just going to have to accept that you are not classy enough for these classy pubs and their classy ordering system.

@Hilsea posted all ranty last night and hasn't come back. Hoping for an update when they are seated in a classy establishment for lunch.