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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Waitrose cafes won't serve tap water

69 replies

Chippednailvarnish · 14/03/2014 16:17

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.

OP posts:
EyelinerQueen · 14/03/2014 16:18

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

Chippednailvarnish · 14/03/2014 16:20

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

OP posts:
hazeyjane · 14/03/2014 16:22

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 · 14/03/2014 16:22

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 · 14/03/2014 16:23

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 · 14/03/2014 16:24

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 · 14/03/2014 16:25

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 · 14/03/2014 16:25

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 · 14/03/2014 16:26

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

phantomnamechanger · 14/03/2014 16:26

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

hazeyjane · 14/03/2014 16:27

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 · 14/03/2014 16:27

ah, xposts, only licensed ones

LoonvanBoon · 14/03/2014 16:29

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 · 14/03/2014 16:30

sorryBlush

TeamEdward · 14/03/2014 16:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LoonvanBoon · 14/03/2014 16:31

No problem! Smile

ScrambledSmegs · 14/03/2014 16:35

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 · 14/03/2014 16:35

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.

OP posts:
hazeyjane · 14/03/2014 16:36

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

hazeyjane · 14/03/2014 16:36

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

Chippednailvarnish · 14/03/2014 16:38

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 Confused

OP posts:
GoldenGreen · 14/03/2014 16:44

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 · 14/03/2014 16:46

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

DinoSnores · 14/03/2014 16:47

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

AtYourCervix · 14/03/2014 16:51

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

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