They are the gatekeepers of a good night, standing behind their bar fortresses, deciding who will be the next person served, and who will just have to wait. Most people agree that one of the unavoidable hassles of heading to your favourite bar or nightclub is the line up for drinks, which ironically is worse the more popular the venue is ' however be that as it may, the wait is generally worth it. The elite bar and nightclub enthusiast knows that there are tricks to get served quicker, which largely involves getting on good terms with the person behind the bar, ensuring that when it's your round, you spend more time drinking and less time waiting in line sobering up.

To assist the bar and nightclub novices, we decided to interview an ex bartender to find out what makes them tick and get the down low on how to get served first time, every time:

1.Cash out ' No wallets.

They're busy and you want to get drunk quickly so this one should be a no brainer. If your money is ready to go, then everyone is happy. Sounds obvious, but after 4 or 5 drinks it can get a little tricky.

2.Don't shout or complain

The biggest mistake a bar or nightclub enthusiast can make. If for some reason someone gets served before you don't crack the shits at the bartender. Chances are it's an honest mistake rather than a vendetta against you. If this happens to you suck it up and move on (the other person probably read this article already)

3.Make eye contact

Subtle yet effective, if you make eye contact with the bartender then you are in for sure. Once you've made eye contact, the person behind the bar knows your ready to order and has a reason to serve you, rather than having to select someone from the sea of flailing arms.

4.Lean forward (for girls)

If it's a guy behind the bar, and you're a girl' well' you get the picture.

5.Decide what you want before you get served

Whatever you do, don't wait for the person behind the bar to ask what you want before making up your mind. This is probably one of the most annoying things in the world and slows everyone down. Think about it before you get the bar, and if you haven't decided just order a glass of wine or a beer' you can't go wrong.

6.Don't order vodka, lemon, lime and bitters

This has been voted the most annoying drink to make, so don't order it, because the person behind the bar will remember you and be less inclined to serve you next time ' in anycase after 5 it tasted the same as a vodka and lemon.

7.Tip after your 1st drink

Call it a tip, call it a bribe, if you give them money they will want to serve you quicker ' pretty straight forward but very effective.

8.Always say "Thank you"

Hmmmmmmm just because you're drunk doesn't mean manners goes should go out the proverbial window. Say thank you as you will be one of the few tat do, and be remembered for it.