Off Topic The Burly Arms

Shops are mental with people doing "the big shop". So glad we don't do that, we've just got things in slowly over a few days and had to grab one or two things to finish off.

Picking the youngest up from work then going for a pint.

 

I had to go into town to get some stuff today.

Was regretting it after 10 mins

 

I made the smart move of booking a delivery for last night just so i don't have to go shopping as i seriously loath crowded shops and have on occasions just loudly gone "**** this" and left with no shopping which al;ways go down with the Mrs

 

Same mate, everything came this morning. I don't normally trust supermarket delivery for fresh stuff but no way was I joining the rat the race, so it was a case of chance our luck - as it happens everything turned up ok and well in date, plus booze and soft drinks were already in...now where's that booze....

 

I ordered a crate of wine on standard delivery assuming it would arrive after Christmas but apparently it will arrive tomorrow which hasn't gone down well with the Mrs who pointed out yesterdays delivery had 9 bottles in it . My argument that they were all on sale went down like a lead balloon

 

cloudy, looks like headache juice

 

bet if she comes home with stuff from the Xmas sales you are not going to complain.

 

Have felt like **** last three days, and been out twice so that's not helped.

The Bistro Pierre thing last night was garbage. ****e service and disgracefully small portions on the plate. The bill for ten us was £500 +.and they'd added a £50 tip, which we took off.

**** them, they aren't having that as it wasn't worth it.

Played golf this morning with my son, lunch and one weak beer after, and I'm starting to feel half decent. Today a rest day of some sort.
Taxi duties later, and an early night hopefully. Would kill someone for 8 hours decent sleep.

Then all starts again tomorrow. Will take the dog for a long walk, and then down the local curry house for tea. Which is different for Christmas eve.
Will call in to the pub on the way back for a couple of six quid pints.

 

can't drive so that aint happening

 

A couple of my favourite eateries now add a 12.5% service charge. Thankfully they are both brilliant in terms of food and service, so I don't mind paying. But when main courses start at £26 upwards, the bill soon racks up. I think last time I went there, me and the missus, my old dear and my daughter it was over £200. That was mains, pud and drinks though.

 

Boils my piss a bit. Just cover service in the menu prices and then there is no ‘surprise’

if service is good I don’t mind then tipping

 

Article here on the various added charges relevant to the UK...

https://www.mobiletransaction.org/tips-vs-service-charge/

My view is alot of this fooking about has come as a result of digital payments, as the handhelds tend to try and prompt it. In short like Peej alludes it's taking the piss, this aint America.

 

Yeah the service charge kind of assumes that service will be worth the extra 12.5%, and thankfully it is as these places. But like you, I'd rather just tip for good service.

In the US, tipping is basically expected and a lot of employers pay their staff **** wages knowing that tips will make up the difference. Food isn't cheap out there now either and tipping is expected everywhere from fine dineries right down to coffee houses and small bakeries etc serving take away food. Most of them now add it as a % on the contactless payment. You can easily blow through $20 just getting a coffee and a Danish

 

It was normally only added for large groups, I wouldn't expect to see it added for a party of four, it should be added within the menu prices and save customers the hassle of the decision.

 

It's added regardless of party size at most places where I see it now days.

 

It was my hate with America, constantly having to tip all the time, was always glad once I got back to the UK and could go about my day without the hassle.

 

Yeah you basically have to assume that you're gonna add 10%-15% onto everything you buy lol

The card machines do it now, and they usually have 3 options. I can't quite remember the ratios, but it's something like 10%, 15%, 20%