6 Shanghai barkeeps on the golden rules of being a star guest

Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe (Ana Souza)

Shanghai bartenders have been with us through it all. They've seen us through breathy, anticipation-laced first dates. They've given us extra shots on messy, celebratory nights out. They've put up with plenty of spilled drinks and lost belongings. And while you're not the worst, you could be better. We asked six bar vets to help us on our journey to becoming star guests.

Mind your manners

Photograph: courtesy Rye & Co

'We bartenders are human beings, too. We have names and we like to get to know you (our guests). It's actually one of the most fun things about our work. Get to know us. Say "please" and "thank you", and please, please, don't wave, say "oi" or click your fingers at me...' 
– Michael Chen, beverage director at The Cannery and Rye & Co

📍The Cannery, 1107 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu. 

📍Rye & Co, Sixth Floor, Xintiandi Plaza, 333 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu.

Don't be a hero

Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe

'One of my biggest pet peeves is the "make it strong" hero – the person who buys a single G&T or something like that, then says "make it strong" before watching me measure and spouting off things like "oh, you can put more than that" or "come on, it's for me." What I really want to say is, "Just order a double, bro. Don't ask me for free alcohol. I'm giving you a very good and responsible amount. And at the end of the day, this is still a business."' 

– Ana Souza, bar manager at The 1515 West, Chophouse & Bar

📍The 1515 West, Chophouse & Bar, Fourth Floor, Jingan Shangri-La, 1218 Yanan Xi Lu, near Tongren Lu.

Give me a clue

Photograph: courtesy Phoebe Han

'Don't just say, "make a drink." Please tell me what flavours you like and don't like, so I understand your taste. I wouldn't just assume that a cute girl likes light cocktails, for example. Maybe she prefers very strong, less sweet drinks. I can't determine your taste just from looking at you.’ 

– Phoebe Han, owner at Healer

📍Healer, 30 Tianping Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu.

Socialise, but don't be a pest

Photograph: Andrew An

'Guys, bars are places for socialising, but unless you are the utmost, respectful gentleman, don't just strike up random conversation with female guests.'
– Sam Kuan, founder at Barules

📍Barules, 51 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. 

Know yourself and show some R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Photograph: courtesy Ars & Delecto

'Guests should know the limit on how much they can drink, and respect everything and everyone inside the bar. Bartenders always appreciate a well-behaved guest who's having a good time.'

– Fuji San, bartender at Ars & Delecto

📍Ars & Delecto, 222 Jinxian Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu.

We're not that other bar

Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe

'It's lovely when guests know what they want, however, occasionally a guest will come in and order a drink they had somewhere else. "I had this minty drink from this bar last week. Can you make it?" can be frustrating. Most bars have their own private recipes, so we can try to move on how you remember the drink tasted, but don't be upset if we have no clue what you had and how to make it.' 

– Yao Lu, co-owner at Union Trading Company

📍Union Trading Company, Bldg 2, 64 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu (entrance on Fuxing Zhong Lu).

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