Similar but different: as young man it was ‘the done thing’ on ordering a drink in a pub, to offer the barman, woman, bar tender a ‘drink’ ( two light ales and have one yourself ). The have one yourself wasn’t generally literal; it meant include the cost of a drink and keep the cash for yourself. On a recent and rare trip into town me, my wife and her teenage son stopped off for a drink at a bar. After some pleasantries with the bar staff ( this was surprisingly uncomfortable ) I said: a pint of X, a half of X and a coke and have one yourself. I then received a rebuke along the lines of: you should save your money for…
A days ago, after walking the dog, my wife and I called into the local. I say ‘the’ local as we rarely use the place. Two bar staff; my wife and I made the customer count 4. We were told they would be closing in half an hour ( 21.30 ) and I said that was fine. A pint of X for my wife and half of X for me; can I get you (2) a drink? Literally a drink or take the money. Oh , no thanks. It then dawned on me , and correct me if I’m wrong, they can’t ring up our drinks and take cash for themselves if I’m paying by card? So, do I now tip the staff which opens up a whole different scenario as I’m standing at the bar ordering; it’s not table service.
So, the next time I’m at a pub/bar do I offer to buy the bartender a ‘drink’