Tap water experiences

lavendergirl

Went to our local Indian restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Had a paid for drink but needed a glass of water also as the meal was spicier than I anticipated. No problem being given it free.

SaverSarah_2

Dunno why but I always feel more comfortable asking for a jug of tap water than a glass of tap water...

I never, ever pay for water with a meal and I've never had a restaurant be funny about my request (to be fair it usually accompanies at least one paid for drink but it's great for avoiding hangovers - one alcoholic drink, one large glass of tap water, etc etc!!).

sampamina

Has anyone been charged for their tap water? I've had that problem in one restaurant. Good value food, but it seemed ridiculous to charge for plain old tap water. If they don't want to offer it, that's one thing, but charging for it, without warning the customer, is a bit extreme.

Lexis200

lavendergirl wrote: »

...needed a glass of water also as the meal was spicier than I anticipated.

Drinking water to cool the "spiceyness" in your mouth won't work, it just spreads it around more... you should ask for milk as the acidic nature of milk counteracts the alkaline of the chili/curry powder and other herbs and spices.

I doubt you'd get a glass of milk free though (or at all in most restaurants!)

scarlet_macaw

I've only once been refused tap water and that was in a remote pub in Scotland during a drought. When another diner insisted they brought a jug of brown stained fluid, explaining the drought had affected their private supply and it really wasn't drinkable - I have to say that unless they were pulling a fast one by adding something to it, they were right - I certainly wouldn't have wanted to drink it!

Andy002

My Wife asked for tap water for my two children from Charlotte's Ice Cream Parlour, Near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. She was asked for 50p to pay for it. She refused citing that tap water should be free. The proprietor then told my Wife that their tap water wasn't fit to drink. My wife stood her ground and got around ten tablespoons of water in return.

I do think that all people should be alerted to the free tap water campaign... We spend about £15 at the place, but, are unlikely to go back.

clivewin

If tap water is not good enough quality then any salad or food that has been washed in it is not fit to eat.
In Australia tap water is offered as a matter of course.

Reformed

I agree - if you can wash your ingredients with the 'leaded' water then you should be shut down. What a load of rubbish. I think the idea of contributing a small amount to a Wateraid charity is a great idea, a small contribution from thousands of restaurants around the country would make a phenomenal difference

trills

I wouldn't drink the tap water in our local "student priced" bar, and rarely get something that doesn't come in a bottle, as it's hardly the cleanest place, but y'know

It would seem to be a good move to encourage pubs and restaurants to provide free tap water, most people are paying customers and not taking the micky by demanding such a thing. I don't drink, and don't always want something fizzy/fruit based (acid, agh!) and bottled water can sometimes have that awful plastic taste, which leaves the options slim! I do pay for food and drinks, despite not drinking alcohol, as do all my alcohol drinking companions, so it's not like they're losing out on money to please me!

Plus all the todo about binge drinking etc, it makes sense to encourage your customers to say hydrated and moderate their drinks, less likely to start drunkenly brawling or who-knows-what later on.

sarah*a

I always request a jug of water when we eat out and usually get one no problem. On the few occassions I've been asked 'Still or Sparkling' I reply 'Tap' - and make sure they've heard me. :cool: