Asking for tap water in restaurants. Is it bad?

[MitchT]

As myself and the OH are both Northern peasants we try to keep our costs down, however I draw the line at asking for tap water when eating out somewhere. The OH has no such problem though and feels quite at ease asking for tap water. I find it embarrassing and have told her that I'll sooner pay for her to have a proper drink than be 'shown-up' in public. She says I'm silly and that I shouldn't care what other people think. Who is right?

[maix27]

I quite like the irony of asking for an expensive bottle of wine and tap water together.

I'm only drinking the water to quench my thirst, where as I'll enjoy the wine, hence I'm happy to pay for it.

[Rod Rammage]

You.

[M3ax]

Its bad that you have to ask for it. Should be there on the table for you to start with. or at least offered to you soon after you've sat down.

[Adenauer]

Her.

[Shar2]

I have no problem at all with asking for tapwater. It should be provided as a matter of course.

[PhilLL]

Nothing wrong with asking for a jug of water with your meal IMO

[Puggit]

Legally they have to serve it, although it's a lot easier to ask for with a bottle of wine compared to with nothing else!

[10 Pence Short]

Ewe.

[BlueEyedBoy]

MitchT said:

As myself and the OH are both Northern peasants we try to keep our costs down, however I draw the line at asking for tap water when eating out somewhere. The OH has no such problem though and feels quite at ease asking for tap water. I find it embarrassing and have told her that I'll sooner pay for her to have a proper drink than be 'shown-up' in public. She says I'm silly and that I shouldn't care what other people think. Who is right?

She is.

I always order a jug, put then also buy other drinks too. Think of it as an environmental thing.

[97octane]

I'm quite happy ordering tapwater in restaurants. I fail to see the problem unless it is the ONLY thing you are ordering.

[zippy500]

"My bad" asking for water surley??

[TedMaul]

maix27 said:

I quite like the irony of asking for an expensive bottle of wine and tap water together.

I'm only drinking the water to quench my thirst, where as I'll enjoy the wine, hence I'm happy to pay for it.

Ironically, I drink the tap water as I like the taste and drink the expensive wine to quench my thirst.

[HundredthIdiot]

Your argument makes no mention of whether you prefer the taste of tap or bottled water, only how it makes you look to others.

Wrong or right, you lack confidence.

[EdJ]

MitchT said:

As myself and the OH are both Northern peasants we try to keep our costs down, however I draw the line at asking for tap water when eating out somewhere. The OH has no such problem though and feels quite at ease asking for tap water. I find it embarrassing and have told her that I'll sooner pay for her to have a proper drink than be 'shown-up' in public. She says I'm silly and that I shouldn't care what other people think. Who is right?

This is one time it's good playing the "environmental" card. They can't argue with that one. Something like, "suppose I'd better do my bit for the environment and go for tap water" etc etc.

[XXVIII]

I reckon that will depend on the quality of the tap water ...

When myself and Lady XXVIII were still in west London, we'd pay for bottled water so as NOT to have to drink Thames Water's yellowy tapp*ss either at home or in a restaurant, but round this neck o' the woods it's all quite see through, quite clean and actually tastes of, erm, nothing much.

TW's fluid looks like the very recent bladder clearings of a dozen people because it is...

[speedy_thrills]

Your OH is right. Chemically tap and bottled water are almost identical excet for filtering and mineralisation. There is nothing wrong with a cool glass of water to cleans your pallet when having a nice meal .

[Hyperion]

If it's Pizza Hut or Harvester - we'll just have tap water thanks. You can stick your extortionate drinks prices.

[shirt]

i fail to see hoe asking for tap water is showing you up in public?

99% of waiters/waitresses won't give a damn.

[HundredthIdiot]

shirt said:

i fail to see hoe asking for tap water is showing you up in public?

99% of waiters/waitresses won't give a damn.

They will if you add the money saved to their tip.