I've only been to that Big Ben a few times, but I would agree that the staff have always been pleasant, helpful, eager to please etc.
It's a bit (ie quite/very) smoky.

I only notice this (good service not smoke) because in Zurich this seems to be the exception.

If you're a regular somewhere maybe you get better service but if you're not a person who likes to frequent the same place time after time, I noticed that Zurich staff are particulary surly. Similar service experienced in Ticino.

Is this related to the service charge / tip being included in the price of the drinks / food / service here so the staff don't need to be polite for tips.

I'm new to the Forum so please reply to advise if this topic has been covered in a previous thread(s).

I like to vary the bars I go to, to experience the whole city. I go to both pubs and bars Another consideration is the time of year. Places near rivers / lakes are the only places to be in the summer.

Brit pubs are often full of the same old faces, who if you see them often enough, means your drink problem is getting as bad as theirs ;-)

Variety is the spice of life.

My two penneth worth. HB