Are you a rude hotel guest? Etiquette expert William Hanson says there’s only one excuse for taking food from the buffet
AN ETIQUETTE expert has revealed the only time it’s acceptable to take food from a hotel buffet.
Etiquette expert William Hanson says you can take only from the breakfast buffet, and even then for one reason only…
William Hanson told Sun Online Travel: “If you have not eaten at breakfast, then you can ask for your breakfast to go.”
Takeaway breakfast bags are typically used by hotel guests who are checking out of before the early morning spread has been served.
This means guests aren’t missing out on the breakfast spread they’ve paid for as part of their stay.
Those guests who are eating breakfast and want to pinch extra items for their trip will need to ask staff.
William added: “Don’t make a sandwich, just ask. It’s all about asking.”
The etiquette expert was quick to point out that hotel staff are more likely to let guests take perishable items like apples and pastries towards the end of the buffet service.
This is because other guests would have already eaten, which means taking extra bits from the buffet won’t affect other customers.
Waiting until the end of the service also means guests are helping to reduce food waste too.
Guests who definitely want food to eat throughout the day should opt for a breakfast to go bag.
A takeaway breakfast is ideal for holidaymakers who are about to go on a long train journey.
Food and drink is certainly required for long train journeys, with the etiquette expert previously revealing the items that are off limits.
The TikTok famous etiquette expert has partnered with Trainline to release Mind The Manners: A Guide to Train Etiquette.
Any holidaymakers who have taken their breakfast to eat on the train should avoid eating anything loud or smelly, as research from Trainline found that 28 per cent of passengers were frustrated by people eating food loudly or food that smells.
Don’t make a sandwich, just ask
William added: “People eating food loudly or eating smelly food is a big no no, you certainly don’t want to be eating things like a lamb balti, fish, boiled eggs, pungent cheeses or any citrus fruits.”
As a rule, William encouraged passengers to avoid eating anything too aromatic on train journeys.
Any passenger who does fancy a slice of cheese should eat blocks like Red Leicester, cheddar and mozzarella.
This is because these cheeses won’t pong out the carriage, which makes them fine to eat according to the etiquette expert.
Other suitable foods include the “humble sandwich” – as long as the filling doesn’t smell – and other non-offensive foods like a salad.
Foods to avoid at a breakfast buffet
EARLIER this year, the food outlet Mashed revealed the eight food Brit holidaymakers should avoid when dining at a breakfast buffet.
Here’s what Brits should avoid at the buffet:
- Scrambled eggs
- Cereal
- Pancakes
- Condiments like jam, peanut butter, marmalade and marmite should also be avoided because they have a short shelf life
- For similar reasons holidaymakers should also skip on things like mayonnaise, lemon slices and salad dressing.
Pro tip: If you do want a condiment make sure to look for items that have been individually wrapped.
Avoid dining at the breakfast table in your in your pyjamas.
William Hanson told the Sun Online Travel who he believed should get the armrest on the plane.