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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it cheeky to get a hot water?

69 replies

Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 07:09

In a cafe? I hate paying 1.80 ish for a tea I don't really like. I'd rather hot water, but it's a bit embarrassing that some places don't charge.

OP posts:
KarmaNoMore · 18/11/2017 08:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RandomUsernameHere · 18/11/2017 08:08

Yes, that logic does work though. I agree with Cheby.
Have a look on trip advisor for the reply written by the cafe owner to the woman who complained about paying for hot water with lemon. He sums it up brilliantly.

RedBlackberries · 18/11/2017 08:12

I really hate buying an overpriced tea bag when I'm at work so no I don't think YABU. But that's a takeaway cafe and going with a group of colleagues. I see the appeal for people who like coffees.

blueskyinmarch · 18/11/2017 08:14

My mums logic has always been that she uses a cup, she is served by staff, they have to clear up afterwards and be paid for their time. The cafe has to pay for its overheads. So she is more than happy to pay for her cup of hot water.

MrsOverTheRoad · 18/11/2017 08:16

Ask for a herbal tea but say "Can I have the bag out of the cup please?" and they;ll give it to you.

Pengggwn · 18/11/2017 08:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jasminedes · 18/11/2017 08:25

I think you should pay £1 or more, whether they charge or not - 'can you put this in your tips jar or charity box then please, I don't want to be a freeloader'. Unless its something like a student or works canteen, or a service station, when the comfy facilities are provided for everyone.

wanderings · 18/11/2017 09:35

I remember once being desperate for a Lemsip when out and about; I had a packet with me, so I went into a nearby McDonalds and asked for a cup of tea without the teabag. They refused this point blank; it simply wasn't within the exact procedures. I explained why I wanted it, and eventually they let me have it, but they insisted on putting the powder in themselves. I can't remember if I paid the price of a cup of tea!

MargaretCavendish · 18/11/2017 09:54

I'm sorry but I think you should pick a drink off the menu, even if it's not your absolute favourite drink in the world. I don't see a difference between drinking free hot water because it's your favourite and getting out a lunch box of home made sandwiches because you like the filling better than any of the ones they offer.

Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:20

Well if I'm forced to pick a drink I don't like or nothing, I'd go for nothing so would be better off if they just sold me a cup of hot water for 1.50 or whatever they feel is right

OP posts:
Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:20

Well if I'm forced to pick a drink I don't like or nothing, I'd go for nothing so would be better off if they just sold me a cup of hot water for 1.50 or whatever they feel is right

OP posts:
HunterHearstHelmsley · 18/11/2017 10:25

I go out with a friend who wants hot water for free for her fruit tea. It pisses me right off as I'd be happy with an instant coffee so I feel like I'm paying for the comfort etc and she's a mare.

RedForFilth · 18/11/2017 10:27

Do you no drink anything other than hot water?

Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:30

In the summer I treat myself to sparkling water but not this time of year, love a miso so do try to go to pret when there is a group of us. Like some herbal teas out and about, but sometimes even just a mint can be vile so often just prefer hot water

OP posts:
Only1scoop · 18/11/2017 10:35

Do you go and sit in a cafe and have just a hot water and nothing else?

RedForFilth · 18/11/2017 10:35

But do you not like any other drinks at all? I understand everyone has a favourite drink but usually most people have a few they really like. I think if I was buying hot water I'd buy a cake or something too so as not to look cheeky/cheap.

Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:36

I'll have a cake if it's paleo, and there are plenty of drinks I like but Starbucks and similar don't sell them

OP posts:
MargaretCavendish · 18/11/2017 10:38

Well if I'm forced to pick a drink I don't like or nothing, I'd go for nothing so would be better off if they just sold me a cup of hot water for 1.50 or whatever they feel is right

This is only true if the place is empty. If you're taking up space that someone spending much more might take otherwise then they really would be better off without you there.

Only1scoop · 18/11/2017 10:40

If my faves were miso soup paleo cake and hot water I’d prob not frequent the Starbucks type establishment Confused

ShowMeTheElf · 18/11/2017 10:43

Not unreasonable at all to ask for a hot water if that's what you'd like. Here is why it costs as much as a cup of tea though: telegraph article

Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:46

Err as I've said several times I only go there when in a group and j don't really have an option.

You think they will not let me sit in there in a group if all I want is hot water for 1.50?

OP posts:
Original poster
Itsgonnabeacoldone · 18/11/2017 10:48

I do want to pay otherwise I wouldn't get embarrassed that some places give it for free.

OP posts:
Allthewaves · 18/11/2017 10:51

Just ask for tea with tea bag on the side

crazyforpiggies · 18/11/2017 10:57

I work in a resturant. If all you want is hot water then ask. There's no problem as long as you or someone else is buying something. We have plenty of people ask for either tap water or hot water. There is no charge and no one who works there will find it strange :)

expatinscotland · 18/11/2017 11:06

'I'll have a cake if it's paleo, and there are plenty of drinks I like but Starbucks and similar don't sell them'

Then why go to a Starbuck's type place?

'I work in a resturant. If all you want is hot water then ask. There's no problem as long as you or someone else is buying something. We have plenty of people ask for either tap water or hot water. There is no charge and no one who works there will find it strange smile'

That may be so, but if I were at a cafe with someone and they were sat there with a cup of hot water they got for free because I bought coffee and cake I'd think they are tight as a duck's arse, a misery guts, too, and that would be the last time I went out with them.