In an unexpected twist for Britain’s beloved pubs, patrons have begun to embrace a new queuing etiquette that has left many publicans scratching their heads. As the nation recovers from the pandemic, an increasing number of customers are opting to form single-file lines at the bar, creating a rather formal atmosphere where the traditional, chaotic hustle of ordering drinks once thrived. This shift has left bar owners perplexed and seeking answers.
Pubs Under Pressure
Paul Loebenberg, managing director of Wolfpack taproom in north-west London, expressed his frustration with the phenomenon, saying, “I’m not sure what else we can do to be honest. Maybe there’s something I’ve missed, but we’ve tried everything.” For those who frequent pubs, the sight of patrons waiting in an orderly line is a stark contrast to the lively, spontaneous vibe usually associated with these establishments.
Traditional British pubs have long been a cornerstone of social life, where the unspoken rule was to approach the bar and be served in the order of arrival. However, this age-old practice appears to be fading, as younger generations adopt a queuing behaviour reminiscent of airport security or border control.
A New Norm?
Experts suggest that the emergence of this queue-centric culture can be traced back to the pandemic. Jess Riley, a manager at Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery, noted, “I think it was the pandemic. It wasn’t a thing before 2020, and then all of a sudden, people really started to like a single-file line after Covid.” Despite having multiple serving areas, many customers still opt to form an orderly queue, often causing lines to snake around the venue.
Riley shared her frustration with this behaviour, stating, “We’re a big place with massive bars, but some people just refuse to stop queueing.” This insistence on queuing has even led to disagreements between staff and customers, as Riley tries to encourage patrons to take advantage of the ample space available.
The Psychology Behind the Queue
According to John Drury, a psychology professor at the University of Sussex, the pandemic has altered public behaviours in various settings, including bars and live events. Drury explained that many industry workers have observed a decline in social norms since 2020. “When we’ve spoken to them, a lot say that behaviour has gotten worse post-pandemic,” he remarked, adding that the acceptance of queuing has become a new norm.
Interestingly, Drury himself supports the concept of queuing in pubs, viewing it as a way to ensure fairness among patrons. He noted that social pressure plays a significant role in perpetuating this behaviour. “A norm means not only something that people generally do, but also something that people in your group think is the right thing to do,” he explained.
Why it Matters
This unexpected shift towards queuing in British pubs highlights a broader cultural change in social behaviours post-pandemic. While the traditional pub experience celebrated spontaneity and chaos, the new single-file lines reflect a cautious, perhaps overly structured approach to social interactions. As publicans grapple with this change, the question remains: will this queuing phenomenon endure, or will the lively, free-spirited atmosphere of Britain’s pubs eventually reclaim its place in the hearts of patrons? Understanding the impact of these changes is crucial for the future of the hospitality industry, as it seeks to adapt and thrive in a transformed social landscape.
