If you are going to take children out to eat, shop around for a restaurant that offers a reduced price children's meal service. Some restaurants also offer a teenage menu. Remember, however, that most children will not like unusual foods, and actually prefer fast food establishments.
When making a table reservation, always ask specifically for a particular table that you like. Give the number or description. If you want to smoke, you must ask for a table in a smoking area.
If you fail to turn up when you have booked a table, the restaurant may be entitled to demand compensation for loss of custom.
If your table isn't ready when you arrive, you may get it faster by being a slight pest. Rather than going to the bar to wait, stay put and keep asking when it will be ready.
If you don't like the table you are taken to, ask for another one. If the restaurant is crowded, a tip may help.
You will often find that country pubs offer better value for money than plush town restaurants. Ask friends for a recommendation.
To get a waiter's attention, wave your hand or say 'waiter' as he goes past. Never be loud, rude or abrasive - you are likely to be ignored.
If you think service is likely to be slow, it is worth suggesting from the start that you have limited time. If the bill is slow arriving, stand up and start to make obvious preparations to leave.
If you do not get what you ordered, say so straight away and insist on getting the right thing. If this will take time, insist that other food is kept properly warm until everything is ready.
If the waiter spills food or drink on you, you are entitled to dry-cleaning costs and expenses. Mention this immediately and get the waiter's name.
If you have cause to complain, mention the matter to the waiter politely. If you do not get satisfaction, ask to see the manager or owner. Never shout or lose your temper.
Look at the menu to see if there is a service charge. If the menu does not mention it, it cannot legally appear on the bill. Cross it off and don't pay it. If there is a service charge, you are not expected to tip as well. In other cases 10 per cent is a reasonable expectation, but do not tip unless you have had satisfactory service.
If your coat disappears from a restaurant cloakroom, ask for the cost of it. Exclusion notices are likely to be legally ineffective. You may need to get legal advice if the restaurant refuses to pay.
If you get food poisoning after eating in a restaurant, report the matter to the local authority Environmental Health Department. In serious cases it might pay you to get legal advice.
