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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to ask for tap water?!

64 replies

popmimiboo · 13/07/2014 15:12

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!!)

OP posts:

NoodleOodle · 14/07/2014 20:32

Our local Indian restaurant now has a sign up saying they do not provide tap water. They are a licensed restaurant too.

Take a photo of the sign with your phone and email it to the council.

NoodleOodle · 14/07/2014 20:35

Mind you, he used to make tourists and walkers put 10/20p in the charity box on the bar should they dare to nip in and use the loo without buying anything.

I always ask at the bar to use the toilets. Never been refused. Seems the polite thing to do as, like your Dad says, they're not public toilets.

Phoenix2014 · 14/07/2014 20:35

I always ask for tap water, especially if they do that passive aggressive "still or sparkling"? thing. I just reply "tap"
I would never return to somewhere that refused to serve tsp water. There are always plenty of other places to patronise.

spence24 · 14/07/2014 20:38

Agree with staywithme - make sure you specify tap water - if you just ask for water, you'll get a lovely expensive bottle of the stuff!
But other than that, I always ask for a jug for the table, and I have a friend that only drinks tap water as she is on a strict diet for medical reasons, so it's the norm for us when we go out!

GreeboOgg · 14/07/2014 20:38

NoodleOodle You're right, I should have clarified that it was those he observed (in his words!) "sneaking in, and then sneeeaaaking out!" that he'd grab and shake the box at.

Anyone asking politely was ushered through. Often exhausted looking parents on days out who had understandably zoned in on the only available loo in a 10/15 mile radius!

poppytripll · 14/07/2014 20:40

I've always ordered tap water in UK restaurants, never been charged, it's not an issue at all. I've always found it an issue to get tap water on the continent where they seem to like to charge, which country do you live in op?

Hattifattiner · 14/07/2014 20:43

I always ask for tap water. I don't feel bad even if it's the only drink I'm having. I'm not having my planet polluted by people who are too up their arse to drink tapwater and need a fancy French bottle. I'll excuse Londoners in this as their tapwater tastes vile. And obviously I'll buy a bottle if I'm thirsty. But tap water is my main drink and that's what I'll have, thank you!
Lots of places do nice free chilled and filtered water. I think offering water is part and parcel of offering a meal.

HaroldLloyd · 14/07/2014 20:44

Water with a meal is fine, as your paying for the meal, I've always thought.

EvansOvalPiesYumYum · 14/07/2014 20:44

We always ask for tap water with a meal (usually wine and beer are ordered as well) - never a problem, whichever restaurant we're in. It usually comes in a jug with ice and lemon, no extra charge.

Seems odd to me that some restaurants see it as a problem. And I've honestly never come across the "passive-aggressive" thing of waiter/waitress asking if you want still or sparkling either.

Tap water is what it is - and it is my understanding that restaurants are obliged to provide it if asked.

Original poster

popmimiboo · 14/07/2014 21:26

Poppytripll -France. You need to ask for "un carafe d'eau" nonchalently. If you're in touristy places and non-French, I can well believe they'll try to rip you off.

OP posts:

poppytripll · 14/07/2014 22:15

That's interesting OP, I don't think I've ever managed to get free tap water on the continent, other than Austria maybe...in Holland they always tell me it's not allowed, bottled water only...

CalamitouslyWrong · 14/07/2014 22:29

Greebo: I'd feel really embarrassed asking for water and not buying anything. I'd have to buy a packet of crisps at least. But I wouldn't eat my picnic in the pub garden anyway, as that seems ridiculously cheeky.

writtenguarantee · 15/07/2014 00:05

I was once up northish and we went to a curry place and they charged us 50p each for 4 tap waters. I asked what the charge was and they said that it's totally normal to charge for tap water, especially in London. I have an accent, so he must have thought I was a foreigner, but I happen to live in London and have so for years.

I have never been charged in London for tap water. Never one look over the request. No tip for the above restaurant.

LittleBearPad · 15/07/2014 00:16

YANBU. It's completely fine.

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