Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 21, 2010 19:13:56 GMT
The J.Vine show every weekday at 12pm to 2pm on BBC Radio Two has a number of topics that are debated. Many will be the big stories of the day from this country and even around the world, but some are not so important topics, but still make for good debate.
There was one such debate today about Café Etiquette and it was surprising interesting and as I was guilty as charged so to speak on what the main complaint was, I was interested to hear the reasons why others do what I normally do.
I say I, but I bet nearly every TFF member has been guilty as well at sometime or other , but then I expect there are some on here who are on the other side of the fence and have good reasons to be so.
The main question being asked was “is it right of someone to go and grab a table, while the person they are with, goes and orders the food and drinks etc. Or a person on their own putting their coat over a chair and then going to get their food, to ensure they have a table to sit on when they have got their food.
Now the lady defending her right to do that, said it was just a case of forward planning, she was not prepared to go and pay for food and drinks, if she was then not able to sit down at a table to eat her food.
That’s the same mindset I have as I don’t want to have a tray with my food and drink on it and then find I have nowhere to sit down at a table and eat it. Is that wrong? Maybe you have gone and got your food and drinks and then could not find an empty table and all because someone who came in after you, has grabbed a table and as yet has got no food to eat at it.
So on what side of the fence do you sit on? Has it happened to you and have you ever said something to the person who made sure they had a table, even though they at the time, had no food to eat as someone was still at the counter putting the order in.
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Dec 21, 2010 19:33:30 GMT
First thing you do Dave, send the wife over to get the table whilst you get the drinks and/or food. Common sense old bean ;D
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 21, 2010 19:58:40 GMT
First thing you do Dave, send the wife over to get the table whilst you get the drinks and/or food. Common sense old bean ;D Thats what I do Phil, only some see it as a form of ruddiness and one dear lady went on about such behavior happening only shows why this country has done to the dogs. Turn it around Phil and lets say you are in a cafe on your own, you get to the pay desk and see there is only one table left. But before you can get to it someone who just came in has taken it and sent hubby to go and get the food and drinks. Would you still think its OK to do that? Would you say anything? |
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Dec 21, 2010 20:37:58 GMT
First thing you do Dave, send the wife over to get the table whilst you get the drinks and/or food. Common sense old bean ;D Thats what I do Phil, only some see it as a form of ruddiness and one dear lady went on about such behavior happening only shows why this country has done to the dogs. Turn it around Phil and lets say you are in a cafe on your own, you get to the pay desk and see there is only one table left. But before you can get to it someone who just came in has taken it and sent hubby to go and get the food and drinks. Would you still think its OK to do that? Would you say anything? Would have admit it wouldn't bother as it is sensible thing to do. I tend to (on busy days) plan ahead and would normally eat early or later. If I was on my own I would normally have some burger related meal or a Cornish pasty. If me and Mrs C eat out we normally book a table. If anybody needs further advice please PM me!  |
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Post by aussie on Dec 22, 2010 6:51:26 GMT
First thing you do Dave, send the wife over to get the table whilst you get the drinks and/or food. Common sense old bean ;D Thats what I do Phil, only some see it as a form of ruddiness and one dear lady went on about such behavior happening only shows why this country has done to the dogs. They would also be the same ones that moan about Germans putting towels on sun lounges! It`s a ridiculous complaint as the population has become incredibly more ignorant and self serving over the last ten fifteen years anyway, just go out for a drive on the roads or a walk up the street and you will see plenty of examples, having a pop at cafe goers isn`t even the tip of the iceberg! |
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AR10
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Post by AR10 on Dec 22, 2010 18:21:18 GMT
What's wrong with sharing a table with a stranger? I bet it's a very rare occasion that every seat in a cafe is taken up & leaving standing room only! I bet there are loads of 4 seater tables with only 1 or 2 people sat at them eating and we are either ignorant or maybe to polite to ask to share a table. I'm surprised at you old man seeing as you talk to all & sundry, mind you the only thing to shut you up is eating so maybe that's a good thing |
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 22, 2010 19:32:24 GMT
Ant I have no problem ever sharing a table and yes its very likely I will soon be in conversation with the other people at my table. But there are many who do not like people they don't know sitting at the same table as them. Even more so if they are sitting opposite them.
I suppose some people are maybe just more shy, or conscious when they are eating. Maybe they don't like others hearing what they may be talking about.
One thing that was said in yesterdays debate, that such actions were no more than middle class snobbery, I found that remark a bit hard to understand. As I said in my case I just like to know I have a table before I commit to buy and food or drinks.
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Post by stefano on Dec 22, 2010 20:59:47 GMT
Is this true? Are there really places in 21st Century Britain where people have to queue for a coffee like some communist inspired bread queue! If there are such places they are certainly not cafes. At the cafes I frequent it is accepted practice to enter the premises, choose ones table, glance at the menu casually even if you know what you want, and then tell the waitress or waiter of your requirements. A sophisticated way to enjoy a morning espresso, brioche, and freshly squeezed orange juice ... and it certainly avoids those bloody queue jumpers!! |
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Post by lambethgull on Dec 22, 2010 23:22:37 GMT
Is this true? Are there really places in 21st Century Britain where people have to queue for a coffee like some communist inspired bread queue! Yes, except it's mostly the US inspired 'coffee bars' and department store cafes where this is an issue, a consequence no doubt of the capitalist principle of keeping one's labour costs as low as possible Seriously though, the Europeans have this sorted. As amusing as it is to see foreigners sitting down in a pub and waiting half an hour before realising they have to fetch their own drinks, it's them who have the last laugh when they return home. They must shake their heads in disbelief at the silly English who have to act as their own waiters. Unless the queue is 10 minutes long, I don't really see the problem in Dave's approach of grabbing a seat. No-one wants to stand around like a prat with a tray of cakes and coffees going cold once they've been paid for. |
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 22, 2010 23:30:05 GMT
Is this true? Are there really places in 21st Century Britain where people have to queue for a coffee like some communist inspired bread queue! Yes, except it's mostly the US inspired 'coffee bars' and department store cafes where this is an issue, a consequence no doubt of the capitalist principle of keeping one's labour costs as low as possible Yes you are right Lambeth as they were not talking about the sorts of cafes we have down here. Starbucks was mentioned, now I have never seen one of those and would not have a clue what they are like and how busy they get. I got the impression is was more a problem in big cities where such places will have far more people wanting to use them. |
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Post by lambethgull on Dec 22, 2010 23:44:43 GMT
Yes, except it's mostly the US inspired 'coffee bars' and department store cafes where this is an issue, a consequence no doubt of the capitalist principle of keeping one's labour costs as low as possible Yes you are right Lambeth as they were not talking about the sorts of cafes we have down here. Starbucks was mentioned, now I have never seen one of those and would not have a clue what they are like and how busy they get. I got the impression is was more a problem in big cities where such places will have far more people wanting to use them. I'd prefer a tea shop or caff (both of which tend to have table service) over a Starbucks arrangement any day, but that's all there often is in the main shopping areas of big cities. What there is in London are lots of Chinese, Indian, Persian cafes, which are essentially the same as greasy spoons in that they offer good food at good value reasonably quickly. These places often have table service, but sharing a table/counter with someone is typical. Once one has established that the spaces are free however, it's highly unusual in London for the conversation to extend any further than that between strangers. |
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 22, 2010 23:50:30 GMT
it's highly unusual in London for the conversation to extend any further than that between strangers. Thats interesting, is there any reason why that might be the case? down here as you will know its very common to talk with strangers and not just say in a cafe, but when you are out walking as well. Its a well know fact I can talk for England and I have stood talking with strangers for over an hour on many occasions. |
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Post by lambethgull on Dec 23, 2010 9:44:27 GMT
it's highly unusual in London for the conversation to extend any further than that between strangers. Thats interesting, is there any reason why that might be the case? down here as you will know its very common to talk with strangers and not just say in a cafe, but when you are out walking as well. Its a well know fact I can talk for England and I have stood talking with strangers for over an hour on many occasions. I think its due to the amount of people. People are more protective of their own space and privacy in densely populated areas. I'm not saying it's unheard of to chat to the person or people next to you in a cafe, but as a rule it tends not to happen. It's the same with the tube - though not so much in the pub. |
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Post by aussie on Dec 23, 2010 10:50:39 GMT
I can`t believe the word `etiquette`is being used along side the word `cafe`!
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