"Château la pompe?"

[661-Pete]

No apologies for the French title: for those not in the know, it's supposed to be the rather pejorative term for tap water, as said behind our backs by French waiters (and probably in a good many French-style restaurants this side of the Channel, too....)

So what is the relevance to H & F topics, and to cycling in general?

Quite a lot, judging by this article:
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016 ... od-obesity
If plain water is a good enough drink to accompany our kids' meals, why shouldn't it be a good accompaniment to anyone's meal out? Cyclists as well.

Much of my modest success at losing weight over the past 16 months or so, is down to cutting back on sugary fruit juice at home. So why not out as well?

As someone who drinks very little alcohol anyway, and certainly not when driving - and the absolute minimum when cycling - I'm fed up with constantly feeling obliged to ask for an orange juice - with all its sugar-loading - whenever I stop for a meal in a pub or roadside cafe. Or asking for water in a restaurant and hearing those icy words "Sparkling or still, Sir?". I don't like sparkling mineral water in any case.

Any thoughts? Will restaurants up and down the country bite the bullet?

[ribblerouser]

Nowt wrong with corporation pop


[emoji86][emoji85][emoji87]

[LollyKat]

Restaurants are obliged to give tap water if asked for it. I frequently don't want anything alcoholic and find all the soft drinks far too sweet. I have no problem asking for plain water and have never had any problem getting it.

[ArMoRothair]

I always specify 'tap water, please', to avoid an expensive bottle of mineral water turning up, it also avoids the follow-on 'still or sparking?' question.

I've no embarrassment asking for it, and have never had a problem obtaining it.

[DaveP]

Doesn't really compare to the experience of sitting down in a French restaurant or even a brasserie and watching a bottle of water appear while you're still undecided about staying

[al_yrpal]

I'm in Brittany next week, walking I am afraid. I shall try asking for it with this phrase. Hopefully I won't get the gallic shrug!

Al

[661-Pete]

DaveP is right - a lot of restaurants in France nowadays bring une carafe d'eau without even being asked. You are generally expected to order a paid-for drink as well, as a matter of courtesy, though.

Al_yrpal - if you dare - it's been nice knowing you.....