The trick is, for anyone realy interested, is to make sure the waiter or waitress knows you want good old plain tapwater. Most places will provide that free of charge. When you ask for a glass of water they will often ask if you want sparkling or still. Make sure they know you do NOT want mineral water. Martin, being an 'out of towner' in this case has been unknowing victim of what is probably the biggest 'sting' in the food industry.

I am pretty sure that when I tour other countries without the benefit of a local guide I get ripped off - I accept it. It's all part of the experience and provided it does not hurt my pocket too much no-one is realy damaged by the experience.

Keep 'em coming, Martin, I am realy interested in what you did and did not like about Europe in general and England in particular - Although I must say that if you only saw London it was not a balanced picture of our sceptred isle!

Cheers

DtG