Kitchen Rat thinks that a recent episode at the boutique Soho hotel in London shows that the UK still has a long way to go before it catches its European cousins in terms of introducing a sophisticated drinking culture.
The swanky Soho, whose owners Tim and Kit Kemp won a Catey award last year, trustingly offers guests the chance to mix their own cocktails in its Honour Bar. It is located near the main lobby and there isn't a single member of staff in sight. Once guests have helped themselves to a pina colada, or a Singapore sling, they jot down their name, room number and bevvy of choice in a book.
Well, you've guessed it, the system was just a little too open to abuse for one drinker. After knocking a few cocktails back, he decided to take his trousers and pants off in time-honoured drunken English fashion. What he was unaware of, though, is that his antics were caught on camera, and three security guards quickly pounced to boot him off the premises. Presumably once he'd pulled his pants up.