Waitrose cafes won't serve tap water

[Chippednailvarnish]

How stupid is it when even if you buy something they won't let you have some tap water?

And all the bottled water is in glass bottles. Not exactly child friendly.

[EyelinerQueen]

Just buy a plastic bottle of water from the attached Waitrose and take it in with you?

[Chippednailvarnish]

I doubt if they would like it if people started buying their own food and drinks and taking it into the cafe.

[hazeyjane]

Our local Waitrose cafe serves tap water - I go in at least once a week and they always do tap water in a take away cup for ds.

[90sthrowback]

I have always been given water when I have asked. I have to take some hefty tablets that I can't swallow without a drink, but don't want to scald myself on my hot cuppa. I'm really surprised by your branch.

[YourMaNoBraBackOfMyCar]

As far as I can remember anywhere that sells food and drink has to supply tap water if wanted but they can charge for it if they feel like it. Have come across this in Indian restaurants in the past. I think they do it so people don't ask for it.

[hazeyjane]

They have also let me get food from the shop and give it to ds in the cafe - they are very child friendly ime.

[LoonvanBoon]

Is this a policy in all Waitrose branches, or just in your local store? I'm sure we've had tap water from our Waitrose cafe.

I agree it's not at all child friendly & I'm quite surprised by this. I know it's only licensed establishments that are legally obliged to provide tap water, but I've never been refused it (in the UK).

[Bananapickle]

Always give my DD tap water in my waitrose. How odd. They even came and cleared up a massive spillage and brought a new one over before now.

[PuppyMonkey]

Think it's only licensed premises that HAVE to serve tap water if asked.

[phantomnamechanger]

I thought eateries were obliged to supply tap water on request?

[hazeyjane]

Um, Loon - 2 people have just said they have been given tap water in their local Waitrose, so it can't be a Waitrose policy.

[phantomnamechanger]

ah, xposts, only licensed ones

[LoonvanBoon]

Um, hazeyjane, I presume they posted at the same time I was writing my post, otherwise I would have picked up on that point.

[hazeyjane]

sorry

[LoonvanBoon]

No problem!

[ScrambledSmegs]

I've had tap water several times from the cafe in my local store. It isn't a Waitrose-wide policy AFAIK.

I've had very good results with writing to/emailing their head office. Maybe drop them a line?

[Chippednailvarnish]

There's a sign up saying no food and drink other that food and drink purchased in the cafe is to be consumed.

It's a bit crap frankly.

[hazeyjane]

Surely 'drink' in that sign wouldn't apply to tapwater though?

[hazeyjane]

Most cafes have that sign up, but serve tap water.

[Chippednailvarnish]

I asked to see the manager and they gave me a "complimentary" bottle of water.

It would have been cheaper just to give me the tap water

[GoldenGreen]

Our local Waitrose cafe has jugs of tap water at the side for people to help themselves, so it can't be a company policy.

[HazeltheMcWitch]

did you ask for tap water?
What did they say?

[DinoSnores]

No objection to the sign, but my Waitrose cafe always gives me free tap water along with whatever else I have bought.

[AtYourCervix]

D1 works in waitrose cafe. She says yes, they always provide tap water whether someone has bought something or not.

she also doesn't charge for extra hot water although it should cost 50p but don't tell anyone