A visit to a new bar in Bournemouth the other day - a group of around 10 of us - was somewhat marred by what can only be described as the rather obnoxious nature of some of the staff employed to serve' we patrons.

While I do realise that I am no celebrity, and therefore am not truly indignant when a red carpet isn't immediately produced the moment I appear at the door of an establishment, some semblance of service with a smile goes quite a long way to ensuring I enjoy my visit and thus ensuring the likelihood of my return - and I am sure I'm not alone in this sentiment.

Therefore, when my friends and I were informed that the booth we were all sat in enjoying our cocktails had in fact been reserved (lack of a sign saying this notwithstanding), we were not too chuffed at the prospect of having to move to another (some of us had been sat there a couple of hours by this point).

Nevertheless, the staff were being reasonably affable, and one move wouldn't kill us.

To be told two minutes later that we would have to vacate our new booth, as this too was reserved, was a camel's-back-breaking straw however.

This was make or break it time.

How they dealt with us at this point (and whether or not they bothered to note the steam beginning to emanate from our ears) would decide whether we would ever return to this establishment, or whether we would now proceed to rant to all our friends about what a hell hole it was.

After some frantic running around by confused staff, with expressions on their faces that screamed "You don't belong on those seats", they eventually made the wise choice and let us be.

They got it right that time... just.

But come on chaps - wise up a bit. Catering to the pretentious few is not the way to run a successful bar with a great atmosphere.

Most people remain truly unimpressed by nouveau-riche types lounging all over VIP sofas, and would far rather see a welcoming environment and be served by warm staff that smile and say please and thank you... to everyone.

Trust me, the difference is enormous.

Later that same evening, we went off to a fairly standard restaurant, also in the town centre, where we enjoyed a reasonably priced and well prepared meal with a lovely bottle of wine.

What made the visit so enjoyable, however, was our fantastic waitress, Tara.

A fantastically smiley girl, who came from Thailand, her politeness and enthusiasm as she served us throughout the evening gave a warm feeling inside, and resulted in us leaving a rather generous tip, offering our compliments on her service to the maître d' and most importantly of all feeling like we'd had a truly memorable evening and would definitely return to that restaurant in the future.

Tara, Bournemouth needs more of you...