They say you should never work with animals and children. When employed in the hospitality and catering sectors, however, you really have no choice: unless a baby rhino is involved. Now that would be difficult.
At all other times, you must be ready to offer a warm welcome to customers, whatever age or species they may be.
To help you out, here are our top tips for dealing with everything from teething toddlers to tearaway terriers.
The young ones
An Australian restaurant owner who recently banned children posted his most successful weekend trade in years. Tempting though it may be to save diners’ delicate ears from screaming toddlers throwing alphabet spaghetti at the walls, a barring order seems a bit much.
Instead, waiting staff who are patient with youngsters and understanding of stressed parents can help calm situations.
Bring out a selection of healthy nibbles right from the start to keep junior’s hands and mouth occupied, or supply a colouring book (first add wipe-free mats to the linen tablecloth).
Such extra attention not only wins over diners it secures repeat custom from a relieved mum and dad.
Finally, a savvy manager can offer discounts to parents who bring their little ones in at off-peak times.
The furry ones
Unless you know anyone who takes their hamster to the pub, we can narrow this category down to dogs.
The first thing to note is there is a misconception dogs are not allowed in premises where food is served – in fact, only food preparation areas are out of bounds for hounds.
That said, our best friend they may be, but some humans don’t appreciate being slobbered over by a Great Dane with an eye on swiping their cannelloni.
Of course, the decision to be dog-friendly will always be the bar or restaurant manager’s – though with an estimated 1.4 million people in the UK taking their dog on holiday this year, you’d be barking to miss the trade.
The best way to bring peace and happiness is to have a separate space for diners with dogs, even if just a couple of tables set apart.
A dogs-on-leash policy prevents smashed crockery and runaway coq a vin, while complimentary dog biscuits can distract even the Greatest Dane.
One last tip: the bar person who brings a bowl of iced water after a long summer’s walk or ‘house blanket’ on a rainy night has made himself a furry friend for life.
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