While being spoilt for choice with a multitude of restaurants, bars and cafes may seem like a blessing, sometimes you just want one — a favourite to call your own. One where they know your name and your order, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship; they hear you moan about your week, and you help them get through theirs.

Sometimes a bit of predictability is all we need in life, so we’ve set out some key points to becoming a regular, in case you needed a little bit of one-on-one time.

Choose something local
You’d be mistaken in thinking this was an obvious point. I was chatting with a friend recently who goes to her favourite bar, on the other side of the bridge, once a month. That just won’t cut it — so to make it easy on yourself we recommend somewhere in walking distance.

Don’t start a relationship if you’re not in love
Clichés aside, you’ll soon tire of your quest if you’re not ready to commit.

Aim low
You’re best to start out small. Dedicate your time to becoming a regular at a coffee shop where the heaving crowds are usually not — unless you frequent Dear Jervois on a Saturday morning, in which case, good luck to you.

Visit often
We needn’t mention that frequency is key.

Timing
If you’re yearning to be on first name basis with Ricardo, the hot Italian working at an undisclosed address on Ponsonby Road, you’ll want to make sure you visit when the resident DJ isn’t spinning beats and drunk girls aren’t spinning yarns. It’ll be a real struggle to become recognisable in a crowded bar — early evenings are good.

Return the gesture
The only way to cement your vaunted regular status is to appreciate the people who appreciate you. They’ve learnt your name, it’s a given you do the same.

Keep your status
Don’t bow out once you’ve become a native. You should be greeted with a ‘haven’t seen you in forever’ even if it’s only been two days.