The rise of single-file queues at pubs has left many landlords baffled. It seems like a peculiar phenomenon that has taken hold among younger patrons, who are queueing up like border control passengers before being served.
Paul Loebenberg, managing director of Wolfpack taproom in north-west London, is fed up with the system. "I'm not sure what else we can do to be honest," he says, gesturing to the line of customers waiting behind him. "Maybe there's something I've missed, but we've tried everything." His staff have had to intervene to free customers from the queue and send them to the bar.
Similar stories are emerging across the country. Jess Riley, manager at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle, believes that the trend started around 2020, when COVID-19 first spread. "It wasn't a thing before Covid," she says. "People really started to like single-file lines after Covid." Despite her large bar with ample space, customers still insist on forming orderly queues.
John Drury, professor of psychology at the University of Sussex, attributes the shift in behavior to changes in attitudes towards public activities since the pandemic. "For people who work in these industries, when we've spoken to them, a lot say that behaviour has gotten worse post-pandemic," he says. While some support the queueing system, others see it as illogical and annoying.
Drury believes that social pressure plays a significant role in perpetuating this new norm. "Norms are neither rational nor irrational. A norm means not only something that people generally do, it also means something that people in your group think is the right thing to do." Those who resist the queueing system risk being seen as deviant or troublesome.
Riley has encountered customers arguing with her about their preference for queuing over simply approaching the bar. "We're a big place with massive bars," she says. "Why are you standing there when there's all this space?" It's clear that some patrons have become accustomed to the queueing system and prefer it, even if data shows it doesn't significantly reduce wait times.
As landlords grapple with this peculiar trend, one thing is certain: the traditional pub experience is evolving, and not everyone is happy about it.
Paul Loebenberg, managing director of Wolfpack taproom in north-west London, is fed up with the system. "I'm not sure what else we can do to be honest," he says, gesturing to the line of customers waiting behind him. "Maybe there's something I've missed, but we've tried everything." His staff have had to intervene to free customers from the queue and send them to the bar.
Similar stories are emerging across the country. Jess Riley, manager at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle, believes that the trend started around 2020, when COVID-19 first spread. "It wasn't a thing before Covid," she says. "People really started to like single-file lines after Covid." Despite her large bar with ample space, customers still insist on forming orderly queues.
John Drury, professor of psychology at the University of Sussex, attributes the shift in behavior to changes in attitudes towards public activities since the pandemic. "For people who work in these industries, when we've spoken to them, a lot say that behaviour has gotten worse post-pandemic," he says. While some support the queueing system, others see it as illogical and annoying.
Drury believes that social pressure plays a significant role in perpetuating this new norm. "Norms are neither rational nor irrational. A norm means not only something that people generally do, it also means something that people in your group think is the right thing to do." Those who resist the queueing system risk being seen as deviant or troublesome.
Riley has encountered customers arguing with her about their preference for queuing over simply approaching the bar. "We're a big place with massive bars," she says. "Why are you standing there when there's all this space?" It's clear that some patrons have become accustomed to the queueing system and prefer it, even if data shows it doesn't significantly reduce wait times.
As landlords grapple with this peculiar trend, one thing is certain: the traditional pub experience is evolving, and not everyone is happy about it.
. I mean, think about it, its like having a little mini social experiment going on where you get to know the person in front of you while you're waiting for your drink 
. And honestly, sometimes its nice to have a bit of structure and order, especially after all the chaos we've had with the pandemic 
. I dont think people are being illogical or annoying, they just want to feel like part of something bigger than themselves 
. And yeah, maybe some pubs are a bit too big and it does make sense to have a queue system in place 
. Overall, Im loving this new pub vibe 
pubs r supposed 2 b chill n relaxed u dont have 2 wait in line lol its like wylam brewery n wolfpack taproom hav 2 deal wit dis now 
idk wut ppl got against just walkin 2 bar tho? 
maybe its cuz of covid or sumtin but newsflash ppl pubs rnt border control 
. I think what Jess Riley said really hit home - if there's enough space at the bar for everyone to comfortably stand and wait, then why do people insist on standing in a line? Is it some kind of social proof thing? Do they feel like they need to conform to this new norm just to fit in?
. When we're all going through the same experience, like we were during Covid-19, our attitudes and behaviors can shift in some pretty profound ways. It's not always easy to recognize what's driving our actions, but I think it's worth taking a step back and reflecting on why we do things - even if it means challenging our own assumptions 
.
maybe its just a phase tho? we'll c what happens next 
. Like, I get that social distancing was a thing during Covid, but now that we're all vaccinated and living our best lives... 
.
I guess it just goes to show that even in pubs, we're all still kinda conforming to some norms, even if it's a little illogical or annoying. 
. It's interesting that it started after COVID-19, when people got more aware of germs and social distancing... now they're applying that mindset to queuing up in a pub 
. It's like, we're all influenced by what others are doing around us.
️. Who knows, maybe this is the future of pubs? 
️. And what really gets me is when you try to order and there are people 3 deep in the queue... meanwhile, I'm over here trying to get a drink and feeling anxious 
. It's just not cool, guys. Can't we just go back to being able to grab a pint at the bar without having to form a line? 
It's all about finding that balance between being organized and not making life too difficult for customers. And honestly, it's not the end of the world if you have to wait a bit longer in line... but hey, at least there's that lovely atmosphere while you're waiting 
.
. Seriously though, what's next? Single-file toilet queues? 
. On a more serious note, it makes me wonder if we've become too reliant on efficiency and productivity to the point where we're losing out on some good old fashioned social vibes.
.
. I get that everyone wants a pint, but come on! It's just not necessary. And the worst part is when staff have to intervene because someone got stuck in the queue 
. I guess only time will tell if this is here to stay or just another weird trend that'll fade away 
. I get it, we've all been stuck in crowded spaces for so long, but come on! Can't we just chill and approach the bar like normal people?