Quote Originally Posted by Burney View Post
Yes, I get that. And I have also enjoyed various meals taken at a counter - tapas in Seville springs to mind. However, I think there is an element of tradition there that you eloquently describe and which balances any discomfort.

My issue is with many of these places these days that offer discomfort and rather tend to sling food at you under the guise of 'bustle' and 'atmosphere', but are in fact just getting the greatest possible number of covers into a small space and keeping their margins low by not providing the amenities I consider essential to an enjoyable dining experience.
Indeed. These places are not for us. Happily we still have the likes of The Ivy, The Wolseley, The Delaunay or even Zedel to deliver the predictably comfortable experience we so enjoy.