Some of the most important habits in a pub are the ones that are never seen.
Guests rarely see the preparation that takes place before service begins. Or the care taken to reset everything at the end of the day. Yet these routines form the foundation of a well-run pub.
Opening and closing routines create the rhythm of the business.
When tables are clean, glassware polished, condiments ready and the bar organised before service begins, the shift runs more smoothly.
These routines also show the team that standards matter. Small details done well every day quickly become part of the culture of the pub.
Opening procedures set the tone for the entire day.
When arriving to find the bar organised, glasses polished, the floor clean — staff can begin service calmly and confidently.
When things are rushed or disorganised, the opposite happens — small problems quickly turn into larger ones.
For this reason, I always believed that the opening routines should never be treated as an afterthought. It should be a clear, consistent process that every team member understands.
Fruit garnishes are freshly prepped. The ice bucket filled ready for drink service. Glassware should be clean and polished. The bar area should be tidy and stocked so that service can flow smoothly once guests begin to arrive. Condiments should be topped up and ready for food service. Till drawers and floats in place ready for the start of the day.
These small details might seem minor on their own. However, together they create the atmosphere guests notice as soon as they walk in.
Closing routines are just as important. Taking the time to wipe and reset tables properly, with the correct number of beer mats and menus. Restock fridges and bar left organised for the next day makes the following shift easier for the team coming in.
I always tried to encourage teams to think of closing routines as the preparation for the next day.
Standards are built through repetition. When routines are followed consistently, they quickly become habits. Those habits then become part of the pub’s culture.
Most guests may never see the work that happens behind the scenes. But they will always feel the difference in a place where standards are quietly maintained every day.