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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 10:03

It's quite depressing actually. The number on the table/order at the bar thing already reduced waiting staff to plate carriers and justified minimum wage and no tipping. Now no menu provided, the customer has to work to get a menu, have the correct tools and skills to even order. Do they still have those mental flashing light things that they give you to tell you that you have to go to the bar to collect your food?

Soon they will provide a downloaded 'experience' of having been in the restaurant, hand you your dinner and a bag and tell you fuck off and be thankful.

Sparklingbrook · 18/09/2021 10:08

The App allows you to tip if you want to when you pay, and I would imagine lots of staff prefer to just bring the food out rather than stand there taking orders from customers.
There are menus on the tables too, which you can use before ordering on the App.
It's not depressing at all.

C8H10N4O2 · 18/09/2021 10:08

Oh for goodness sake the overwhelming majority of phones have cameras built in. If you can use the camera on your phone you can order, without supplying personal details. You don't have to pay that way, you can pay the human being who brings the food, just as normal.

If this is all too overwhelming for you most places still have in person ordering for those who prefer to stand and queue or just be jostled at the bar.

I say "most" but the fact is I don't know anywhere which doesn't offer the option of in person service now, most have kept table service due to customer demand.

zingally · 18/09/2021 10:11

I was more irritated by the fact you HAD to tell us that each pub was "classy"... No one cares. It's a pub.

MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 10:17

'The' app, Sparklingbrook. Is there only one?

And if i find it depressing, then i find it depressing. You might not agree.

MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 10:20

That's good that you say there is still the option of ordering via a human being C8H10N4O2. But that does not appear to have been the OP's experience.

cannaethink · 18/09/2021 10:30

I’m with you OP!
I like to see the options available at the bar, not scroll through on a wee screen.
I had to sign up for a couple of ordering apps recently which took ages.
Nah I’m not into it, bring back the scrum at the bar!

Sparklingbrook · 18/09/2021 10:34

@MiladyBerserko

'The' app, Sparklingbrook. Is there only one?

And if i find it depressing, then i find it depressing. You might not agree.

I don't agree, and there are many, many restaurants and apps. I have been to a lot of classy not at all depressing eateries lately.
MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 10:40

Yes sparkling but your not finding it depressing does not alter my experience of finding it so. A revolutionary idea, I know.

You previously referred to 'The' app as though there was single app, or a single design. Multiple apps mean different risks, depending in the app coding and lots and lots of storage space.

NuffSaidSam · 18/09/2021 10:43

'But that does not appear to have been the OP's experience.'

I would bet money the OP was too uptight and ready to be annoyed to actually stop and ask for table/bar service.

I've also not been to one single pub/restaurant that didn't have the in-person option for those who couldn't use the app. My mum doesn't have a smartphone and has also had no trouble whatsoever in explaining that and being served by a person. It sounds like what the OP lacks is personal skills, not app skills!

Sparklingbrook · 18/09/2021 10:47

@MiladyBerserko

Yes sparkling but your not finding it depressing does not alter my experience of finding it so. A revolutionary idea, I know.

You previously referred to 'The' app as though there was single app, or a single design. Multiple apps mean different risks, depending in the app coding and lots and lots of storage space.

I apologise for any confusion. The Apps that I have used have all been much of a muchness and I’ve deleted ones straight after if I know I’ll never go there again (like in holiday) I am sorry you find it all so depressing.
MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 10:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Banani · 18/09/2021 10:57

I much prefer to order from an app, and can see much more clearly what’s available before I make my choice.

Horses for courses, pubs will soon work out which way their clientele are leaning and go with what’s best for business.

NuffSaidSam · 18/09/2021 10:59

'reading your post certainly shows me who is lacking in social skills'

😂 I haven't stormed out of a pub in a huff because I had to wait ten minutes!

I'm also sorry that you're depressed about it all though. 💐 All the best.

DumplingsAndStew · 18/09/2021 11:14

@MiladyBerserko

Are you always so literal dumplings?
Often, yes. It's part of a medical condition I have.

HTH

Stuffin · 18/09/2021 11:18

Our local you order at the bar which is great or if you want they will do table service.

On holIday a few weeks ago we had to use a QR code to view menu online but then order at the bar which was a bit annoying Hmm

NatashaRf · 18/09/2021 11:23

I love app ordering/payment.

shouldistop · 18/09/2021 11:23

@DumplingsAndStew

Well, yes I can see that. Where did I say in my post that they shouldn't have both options?

The op was talking about not having the choice, and that's the question I was answering.

MiladyBerserko · 18/09/2021 11:25

DumplingsAndStew
That helps, thank you

AuntieMarys · 18/09/2021 11:27

I much prefer table service

BarbaraofSeville · 18/09/2021 11:32

I'd rather avoid downloading yet another app, but I find that QR code through to a website works really well.

And you get to interact with the waiting staff when they set your table, bring your drinks, cutlery, food, clear up etc, it's not impersonal at all.

My hearing's not great and also I can't read labels behind the bar, because I CBA wearing my glasses, so I find ordering across a noisy bar quite stressful. I also don't like to not know all the prices before I've ordered.

So much easier to sit at a table and look through the menu to see what's on offer, how much it is and order in my own time.

BananaPB · 18/09/2021 12:00

I like apps but yanbu to prefer a human.

Rozziie · 18/09/2021 12:03

@C8H10N4O2

Oh for goodness sake the overwhelming majority of phones have cameras built in. If you can use the camera on your phone you can order, without supplying personal details. You don't have to pay that way, you can pay the human being who brings the food, just as normal.

If this is all too overwhelming for you most places still have in person ordering for those who prefer to stand and queue or just be jostled at the bar.

I say "most" but the fact is I don't know anywhere which doesn't offer the option of in person service now, most have kept table service due to customer demand.

You obviously don't live in London. Most places near me are table service only. My local has chairs blocking the doorway and you literally need to ask permission to go inside to the loo.
C8H10N4O2 · 18/09/2021 12:24

You obviously don't live in London

Not only do I live in London but so do three of my adult DC and their partners.

C8H10N4O2 · 18/09/2021 12:25

Sorry posted too soon.

I was responding to the claim that app installation was mandatory - it isn't. That is quite independent of the table service itself.