The Jump

[flip-flop]

I have always used the prase 'The Jump' when referring to a bar or a checkout - for example 'I was talking to the barmaid behind the jump...."

I picked up this phrase from my father.

Anybody any idea where it came from?

My family hail from Charlton, SE London.

[Quizmonster]

I suspect your use of the word 'bar' in the question holds the answer...a bar being an obstacle in one sense. In horse-racing, for example, a jump is an obstacle, too. So, the counter is a barrier between you and the barmaid or checkout girl.

[lankeela]

Maybe referring to the barman jumping over the counter to sort out any trouble?