‘Phones, vapes and swimming costumes - have we forgotten how to act at a restaurant?’
Kent Online 2026-07-11 04:00:00
Context: A writer for a UK regional news website recounts a recent experience at a highly-regarded seafood restaurant in Margate, where they witnessed what they perceived as poor behavior from fellow diners. The incidents involved diners using their phones with loudspeakers, vaping indoors, and wearing inappropriate attire such as swimming costumes. The writer expresses concern that these behaviors indicate a broader decline in social standards.
Key Facts
- The writer was dining at one of Margate's best-reviewed seafood restaurants when they noticed a couple, who had been congratulated by the waiter on an apparent anniversary, immediately begin using their phones, with the man watching World Cup game highlights at high volume.
- The couple subsequently moved to the terrace, but the writer observed the man continuing to use his phone, suggesting that they may have been celebrating the anniversary of his first iPhone.
- A group of young people nearby attempted to vape indoors, prompting the writer to express frustration at being potentially exposed to second-hand smoke while waiting for their food.
- Another group of young diners, likely from London, arrived wearing swimming trunks with towels wrapped around their waists, which the writer found to be inexcusable given the upscale nature of the restaurant.
- The writer reflects on whether they are simply becoming increasingly critical with age or if there is a genuine decline in social standards, citing the recent prolonged period of sunny weather as a possible contributing factor.