Originally Posted by
hobo13
Nice strategy. I commend you for sticking to your principles and finding a way to adapt.
Now I'm curious -- when you dine out in Europe, do you pay for water? I simply cannot stand paying 1E-2E for a bottle of water! I think it's insane. I may think that tipping is out of control in the US, but insisting on selling bottled water in Europe bothers me far more. How do you feel about this? Would you look at me strange if I asked for tap water at the table next to you in your local restaurant? Just curious.
Yes, in the UK they are very much partial to selling expensive water. At Nobu for instance, they will probably ask you if you want 'Still or Sparkling', which will result in a bottle of Fiji (still) at £5.75 or Belu (sparkling) at £4.50.
If you want tap water in any restaurant you have to explicitly ask for it, and they may be slightly snooty about bringing it, and when they do it will probably be without ice.