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Being a bartender can feel powerful and intimidating. It\u2019s a unique position in service work where the power dynamic is flipped, positioning the bartender as the one in charge. Think about it: The customer walks up to you. You\u2019re both standing on equal ground. There\u2019s a large counter in between you, perfect to duck underneath and hide behind in case things get testy. I like to pretend I\u2019m “packing fridges.”<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re a waiter, you\u2019re at the mercy of being on the floor. The customer is sitting down, putting them in a position of power because you\u2019re having to walk over to them. There\u2019s more possibility for a lengthier conversation because you have to ask them what they want. Customers can even *gulp* call you over.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been a bartender for the better part of six years now. I worked my way up, doing my time on the floor as a waiter. But as soon as I graduated to working behind the bar, I vowed to never leave. I\u2019ve never felt more commanding, especially as a woman. Being a bartender means you can say No if a customer treats you badly, and when you\u2019re working in service, there\u2019s no better feeling than refusing to serve the man who\u2019s just snapped his fingers at you.<\/p>\n
In honor of bartenders and their service to society, I\u2019m starting a series where I ask bartenders, veteran and rookie, questions about the trade. I want to hear about the best night on the job, the worst customer imaginable and how you deal with people who think they know more about making martinis than you do?<\/p>\n
For my first interview, I went close to home. Anzio Obery is the manager at Publik Wine Bar on Kloof Nek Road in Cape Town. He\u2019s also my manager (I work there too!) and my friend. He would also describe himself as the grumpiest bartender in the city, so I know he\u2019s got a story or two to tell.<\/p>\n
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