Not drinking wine in a restaurant

[Progressive]

Morning folks,

I've planned a weekend for me and SWMBO in London in a few weeks. This includes 2 reservations at good restaurants.

Neither of us like or drink wine. I don't have a problem ordering a pint or a coca-cola in the local eatery but what is the done thing with these places.

Are you looked down upon in these establishments for not ordering a bottle? Furthermore, what is the next best thing? I'm assuming (and probably wouldn't anyway) that asking for a pint of bitter is a no-no.

Cheers,

[Stu R]

Order whatever you like, you're paying for it.

[mike325112]

I would certainly have no problem in not ordering a bottle. You are the customer, they are serving you. If will not be an issue - in fact i would ask what they suggest to go with the meal. Lots of folks don't drink these days.

[V8mate]

Pay through the nose for a bottle of their finest sparkling water. The restaurant will be just as happy.

[Vipers]

V8mate said:

Pay through the nose for a bottle of their finest sparkling water. The restaurant will be just as happy.

Ask for tap water, which they are obliged to serve you with, and its FREE.

[V8mate]

Vipers said:

V8mate said:

Pay through the nose for a bottle of their finest sparkling water. The restaurant will be just as happy.

Ask for tap water, which they are obliged to serve you with, and its FREE.

And be served in the manner of someone who has to rely on the law to get service

'No Sir, that's a mushroom foam, not phlegm'.

[Progressive]

Cheers for the advice. A bottle of water it is.

One of the places is a set 3 course menu with the accompanying wine flight for an additional £10. Might be worth a punt.

I just resent paying £40 for wine which I drink and then shudder.

Maybe it's something I will grow into.

[Bob the Planner]

if your driving then water is a good solution - also seen as responsible. Mention that you are driving hence no alcohol.

[fizz47]

You dont have to make excuses for not ordering wine like you are driving etc.


The OH and I dont drink at all and it has never stopped us eating at restaurants. You can go to the finest most expensive restuarants and not order wine and they will not bat an eyelid.

[Marf]

Stu R said:

Order whatever you like, you're paying for it.

That's about the size of it.

[Mermaid]

If you go to wine bar, there is the expectation that you will order a glass/bottle of wine.

At a restaurant, the expectation is that you order a starter, main course & dessert perhaps. So don't fret yourself. Enjoy the meal.

[Vipers]

Mermaid said:

If you go to wine bar, there is the expectation that you will order a glass/bottle of wine.

At a restaurant, the expectation is that you order a starter, main course & dessert perhaps. So don't fret yourself. Enjoy the meal.

That's me out of the loop then! all I have is a main meal, and a glass of vino colapso, end of.

Can't manage all this starter, main, pudding etc etc etc. But I always tip though.

[lauda]

When the waiter offers you the wine list, just say no thanks since you are a recovering alcoholic. That way he feels bad for offering you wine rather than you feeling bad for not ordering any. Job done!

[Carrot]

I had to re-read the OP just to be sure I didn't miss anything...

What's the "done thing" ?! You are paying for a meal, not learning your graces in order to meet the Queen of England!

Just order what you like FFS.

There are far to many people on this earth who care too much about what other people think about them...

[mike325112]

Progressive said:

I just resent paying £40 for wine which I drink and then shudder.

I would think that most restaurants have a reasonable house wine for far less than that.

[Progressive]

I think at the said places wines start at £36 IIRC.

[mike325112]

Blimey! I've paid less at stared restaurants...

Editted to add I've paid much less at three star restaurants...

[Baryonyx]

I always go for a pint of ale or a continental lager or beer over wine. But no-one will bat an eyelid if you decline to buy a bottle of wine, after all, not everyone likes wine!