to ask for tap water?!

[popmimiboo]

This is the norm in Europe, when eating out with kids but I've no idea if this is the done thing in the UK or is seen as stingy or bad mannered!

(Sorry for such a boring aibu but I have lived abroad too long and when I lived in the UK had no money- eating off-spring so had no need to know these things!!)

If we're eating out we usually ask for a jug of tap water with our meal (but alongside bought for drinks, if you follow!)

I would only generally ask for tap water in addition to ordering other drinks as well.

It's ok to ask

Technically they can charge you for use of the glass/jug though

I don't think it would be seen as stingy if you're all having a meal

I hope not! I live in London and ask for it all the time. Most restaurants, bars in many locations have jugs of water and cups on the side where you can help yourself.

Of course you can ask for tap water! I've often ordered it with a meal instead of an alternative drink and when there's a large group of us eating and drinking we usually ask for a jug of water (if it hasn't been offered already).

It's fine to ask for tap water, whether you have ordered other drinks or not.

And no I don't do so alongside bought for drinks. I only drink water with food anyway and I've ordered and am paying for the food.

I often ask for tap water while eating out, but just be careful where you ask. My husband and I went to a trendy restaurant with two friends and he asked for water. They brought us one each and over the course of the meal we had FOUR bottles of wine (I know, I know ) The meal cost @ £200 pounds ant it was only on the way home I realised the feckers had charged us £10 for four glasses of water!

I always ask for tap water for my DD to have in her beaker. She's 20 months.

I always ask for tap water, either with or without, other drinks. I have never been charged but I don't frequent trendy restaurants, sadly

Well, there will be 7 of us this summer as we'll have 2 extra kids in addition to our 3, so even if we don't buy drinks, they'll still be getting plenty of custom.
Or, for those who think it's not great, would it be acceptable to order a large bottle of mineral water for them to share?

I usually ask for tap water, especially if having wine also. I've never been either refused or charged.

Lol. EyesCrossed, it was a very special occasion and a luxurious treat. We were both working at the time but now have to watch every penny. Ah the good old days.

You ate your offspring?

I wouldn't worry Pop, I find the vast majority of cafe/restaurants will provide a jug of water.

Haha hotdrink i read it like that too.

we've never been charged for tap water, its perfectly acceptable to ask for it

You won't be the first or the last, put it that way waiters and waitresses are likely to be used to people doing it- they won't be bitching about you in the kitchen.

I tend to order a fresh orange/ wine, then have water for my subsequent drinks. If I drink water on an empty stomach it makes me feel ill.

One time I got annoyed with a waiter because I had ordered tap water and he brought me bottled mineral water. Fair enough if he hadn't heard the word 'tap' but he could have at least given me a choice. Fleecing bastard.

I eat in a restaurant alone once a month. I always ask for tap water and it comes in a tall glass not as tall as a beer glass. They are not allowed to charge for tap water.

All my family ask for tap water. We aren't big drinkers. It's never been a problem.

I will often ask for a jug of tap water.

Loch Fyne is a great chain, they ask you if you would like water for the table.

I do it all the time. But I don't care if the waiter thinks I'm stingy!

In Scotland any premise that sells alcohol (on-licence) must provide free tap water on request.

I ask for tap water. I usually have a drink also but my kids usually only have water with their meal.