A teashop in Brighton has been throwing out customers if they 'dunk' their biscuits in their tea.
Should they dare to ask for coffee, they are told to go elsewhere.
The co-owners have established a 'Code Of Etiquette' as follows:
David and James welcome you to The Tea Cosy tea rooms.
To avoid embarrassment we ask you to take note of the tearoom etiquette.
Mobile phones must not be used in the main tearoom under any circumstances. If you have the desire to use your mobile phone please step out the front of the shop
The un-savoury habit of dunking biscuits is strictly prohibited and will result in you being ask to leave the tea rooms.
There is a correct way to hold your cup and saucer. Pick up your cup and saucer together-holding the saucer in one hand and the cup in the other. The best way to hold a tea cup is to slip your index finger through the handle, up to almost the first knuckle, then balance and secure the cup by placing your thumb on the top of the handle and allowing the bottom of the handle to rest on your middle finger. Hold the cup lightly, by the handle- your pinkie doesn’t have to be extended (contrary to popular belief, the ring and the pinkie finger should not be extended, but should rest by curving gently back towards your wrist). Hold the saucer under your cup while you sip your tea (least you should spill or dribble).
When stirring your tea, kindly refrain from clinking the sides of your cup. Gently swish the tea back and forth being careful not to touch the sides of your cup if possible. Never leave your spoon in the cup and be sure not to sip your tea from the spoon either. After stirring, place your spoon quietly on the saucer, behind the cup, on the right hand side under the handle.
We have kindly provided sugar tongs on each table for your use. For hygiene reasons please do not touch the sugar cubes in the bowl.
Blasphemy of her Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth or any member of the Royal Family is strictly prohibited and again will result in you being asked to leave the rooms.
Conversation should never be louder than two tones above the chink of a tea cup.
Guests are invited to adopt correct posture and avoid from resting elbows on our tables.
Good table manners are expected at all times.
The following items of clothing are forbidden in our tearoom............
80's Leggings
Lycra in any form worn on any part of the body
Open vests
Shorts or skirts cut above the knee
The management reserves the right to ask you to leave at any point during your stay with us without giving reason, should we find you uncongenial.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Tea Cosy
I am surprised that they have any customers, although they admit that their prohibitions are very tongue in cheek.
10/08/07 @ 09:14