i like to drink hot water. at home this is no problem. when visiting companies often secretaries get it wrong and bring me cold water or worse, hot water in a spindly glass (asphesdos gloves to the ready).

in restaurants and hotels hot water can prove more complicated. ordering it can be difficult as the waiter often doesn't listen properly or thinks you are mad. but the main area of variance is the charge.

i was just charged £1.75 for a small cup of hot water in Cafe Rouge on Tottenham Court Road. i was with someone who bought a Cappucino which costed £1.75 too. outrgeous ! i don't mind paying something as they have to wash the cup, heat the place etc but £1.75 seems a little steep. oh well.