Some bar owners are naturally gregarious, making them a perfect fit for the job they have chosen. Many more, on the other hand, very likely feel the need to put on a bit of a performance, so this fella’s approach of undisguised indifference seems refreshingly honest. A bold move in the land of customer service, and reading through online comments, it’s one that perhaps unsurprisingly confuses more than a few of his customers.
Steve says
He’s like the complete opposite of the Midnight Diner guy!
Lee says
That’s very true. Wouldn’t be as popular of course, but I’m sure filming the reaction of customers would make for an interesting few episodes.
Richard says
Was this taken earlier in the day before the bar opened? I wonder if he trying to gear himself up for business later in the day? Or is he hungover from the previous night’s drinking?
Lee says
Nah, it was already open. In fact you can see a customer’s hand holding onto the counter.
Passed by a few times, and he’s always been sat outside, either reading or looking like he does in the photo. I find him absolutely fascinating.
Richard says
Thanks. I had not noticed the customer’s hand, etc. Then he is not very engaged with the social aspects of his business.
Lee says
No, he isn’t. Seems he sometimes just heads off the to the nearby Sento too. A man who very much lives by his own rules.
cdilla says
You do find some wonderful characters populating the places you visit (the old lady from that teashop is looking at me from my desktop as I type).
Was the radio on? perhaps he was listening to a baseball match.
Or perhaps he is sharing a quiet moment with a friendly Pooka sat on the stools.
https://youtu.be/7kMwRkAqOQs
Lee says
Ah, wonderful. Happy to say she’s still going strong.
Nah, no radio. He was reading when we passed the street the first time though. Then when we looped back he’d given up on the book. And definitely no time for a friendly companion, whether visible or otherwise!