Any water, madame? Yes, I’ll have some tap water - thank you very much…the furrowed brow of the waiter says it all…what he really wants you to order is a bottle of water, which can add anything from just under four pounds up to 50 pounds (at an exclusive Mayfair establishment) to your bill in London’s restaurants.
To its proponents bottled water is “the best choice of all for those looking to quench their thirst and re-hydrate with the ultimate in healthy convenience” but it looks like consumers have had enough of paying over the odds — 70 percent of respondents in a survey for the National Consumer Council said it’s too expensive and they want free tap water made readily available. But many are “too scared to ask” for free tap water.
Have you felt intimidated by waiters and bottled out of asking for tap water? Why should we pay for water in restaurants?
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5 comments so far
I now live in Scotland, and am delighted to report that not only do many restaurants of every level provide free tap water on request, some (including the most expensive establishments) offer it as a matter of course, or as an option when water is requested.
Such a pleasant contrast to the raised eyebrows and snooty looks we have experienced in many restaurants in Norfolk and in London.
- Posted by JackyIt is absolutely true.
The funniest thing is they will give you mineral water if you say I will have a glass of water, they don’t clarify whether you need tap water or bottled water - it is customers’ job to clearly state that you need tap water.
- Posted by Joy LouisOf course you should pay for water, the last time I had a bill from Thames Water, they charged me and they charge restaurants too. It’s also the cost of serving, washing glasses and the loss of a geniune sale that have to be taken into consideration. £50 per bottle seems excessive though.
- Posted by PaulFunny thing is its all over the world! Even here in Nairobi, they always make you feel little for asking for tap water but in some establishments if you insist long and hard enough, they give in and give you what you want…after all, its your money that’s keeping them there!
- Posted by Diana NgilaTAP WATER DRINKERS ARE THE SCOURGE OF ANY RESTAURANT. NO RESTAURANT WANTS TO SERVE FREE TAP WATER
- Posted by jack