Extra Special Bitter? Nah, I don't want a bitter beer, I'll have an IPA!

So many times now working tastings and beer festivals for Poppels I’ve heard that either they do not want the Extra Special Bitter since they believe it will be very bitter or that they've avoided it since they have the perception it will be very bitter. 

Also I've been to bars where other brewery's bitters has been on, but “since they don't like bitters they've gone for an IPA instead". 

Really? 

Come on now folks, it is an English style evolved, but is is really not that bitter! 

Most English style bitters are way way less bitter than the regular IPA you'll find! Perhaps it is a Swedish thing? That “Bitter” as in the Swedish “bitter” means it will be harsh, astringent, non sweet and difficult? But really, to go for just one word and think it will be horribly bitter, even if I stand there explaining to you what it will be like, that is malty and almost to the sweet side, whereas the IPA will actually be bitter, but you don't believe me. 
The brewer that actually make the beer, the person talking to you about the beers served, the one person to guide you as of your spoken preferences? 

Come now, wash aside your preconceived notions, try the bitter the next time, I'm sure you'll like it!