I would always ask for tap water in the UK, whether I am in a greasy spoon or some expensive, trendy place. Never had snootiness or problems with it – it usually arrives with ice and lemon and thus far has always been free, although I have heard that one or two places charge for it. In some other countries I am not used to the tap water and I might prefer to pay for bottled water.

In the UK, bread and butter on the table is also free, and in some places a plate of olives or something similar. In other parts of Europe (e.g. Greece) you will be charged for bread, butter and olives. In Baku (which isn’t really in Europe) there seemed to be a fashion for bringing unsolicited salads, bread and anything else they thought they could get away with, and this would end up on the bill. It’s such a pity to taint a meal with an argument.