Bottled water in restaurants - what's the most you have paid?

MarkBargain

InsideInsurance wrote: »

There are a few restaurants that "specialise" in rare bottled waters,

What the Two Ronnies did as a ridiculous sketch almost comes true then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQhNNwZhhlg

Flat_Eric

awesomelover wrote: »

I really think some people are missing the point completely here. I don't think the OP was expecting, or ever said that 'bottled water' in restaurants should be free...

He/She objected to being asked if they wanted water and then given the chargeable version instead of being given the choice of free tap water, or chargeable bottled water.

A touch naïve on part of the op perhaps, but just because it's a "trick of the trade" doesn't make it particularly acceptable. The choice should be given.

Lesson learn for the future though, op?

yep, that pretty much sums it up

lammy82

In this situation, if the restaurant is intending to charge for fancy bottled water they should at least ask 'Still or sparkling?', which would allow the customer to realise what is happening and answer (in my case) 'Tap'.

CupOfChai

Similar thing happened to me at Wembley Stadium once. I went to the bar, ordered a couple of drinks and asked for water as well. I hadn't noticed any bottled water on sale, and thought that I'd asked for and would get a pint cup of free tap water, like you usually do at bars. Then the woman said "I'll have to pour it out into a cup for you, is that ok?"

Luckily I twigged straight away that I was about to get charged for a bottle of water!

dustyha

The reply i recieve for asking for glass of tap water i jacks surf bar .we did 287 meals yesterday and you were the only person who wanted a free drink....i cant understand why u think u shouldnt have to pay for a drink in licensed premises ???? i had 12 staff working last night , my water rates are £850 a month !!!
we give out FREE SWEETS with every meal and you even wanted a free drink too....every other customer [over a 1000 this week ] seems happy with this
you were pointed to the sign by my manager stating the price which quite clearly states water will be provided when you purchase meals and a drink and my water rates bill beside it...........
your entitled to your opinion as its a free country we live in but if every customer was like you I WOULD BE OUT OF BUSINESS
glad you enjoyed your chinese as we had 287 happy customers in here
ps.... could i bring 20 x 50 litre containers to your house to fill up with FREE water and i can give it out FREE HERE....
THANKS FOR YOUR OBSERVATIONS and i take on board what your saying BUT weve been here 25 years nearly now and seem to please most people
thanks again
peter blake
Saturday 20:50

MarkBargain

Just to put water rates into context, giving 20 people a half litre glass of tap water would cost about 2p, which is around the same as one toilet flush.

ElefantEd

Is it not a legal requirement for any establishment that sells alcohol to provide free tap water?

http://www.ccwater.org.uk/waterissues/currentkeywaterissues/tapwaterinrestaurants/

Of course, they are under no obligation to point this out, but if you ask for it....

I note with amusement that in the Home Office guidance it links to, one example of a disallowed promotion is "half price drinks when England scores a goal" - can't see that one causing too many drunken orgies!

[Deleted User]

I'm sure we paid about 6 euros for bottled water in a fancy Dublin restaurant once. Good job it was on expenses

Typically, I won't ask for tap water until we've had at least one 'non-water' drink. These places do have overheads.. and to be honest I can get my own tap water from home If I'm eating out I'm not planning on scrimping too much.