I worked as a chef for many years and had my own restaurant. I think the British are very strict about all the rules and regulations when it comes to eating out (How to Eat now: 16 rules of modern Dining – from Dress Codes to Dogs, February 1). Personally, I like the Spanish approach. Tolerance and patience are very important. Naturally, the first thing to ask is, “Can I bring my dog in?” It is also essential that children know how to eat out in public places. If there are people waiting for their food, good etiquette is not to occupy the table as if it were your own private office. But in a restaurant, you’re dealing with the general public, some of whom are attractive, such as children and dogs, and others who are not.
lindsay mckay robinson
Poleres, Mallorca, Spain
The question “Should music be turned off in restaurants?” “Should restaurants discriminate against people who are deaf?” Restaurants are becoming a no-go place for people who are hearing impaired, due to the popularity of hard floors and close tables. This results in the exclusion of people with hearing impairments. Music makes this worse.
If restaurants allow customers to have a comfortable conversation over a delicious dinner, they may be able to tap into an older, supposedly affluent market and profit from it.
Hilary Metcalfe
London
In your article about restaurant likes and dislikes, one of the statements that annoyed me the most was that loud music in restaurants is acceptable. This is nonsense. I don’t go to restaurants to listen to music. Music isn’t always to my taste. I want good food and intelligent conversation, but any music is superfluous at best and downright annoying at worst. Ban it all.
John Holland
Herne Bay, Kent