I RECENTLY dined at the Millstream restaurant in Marden. Having ordered wine to accompany the meal our party also asked for a jug of water.

The waitress questioned our request suggesting that we take still or sparkling bottled water. We insisted that a jug of tap water would be fine. Her look said it all tap water! You want water from the mains supply to drink! Surely you would prefer to pay inflated prices for mineral water?

Surviving the withering look we stood our ground and repeated that water straight from the tap would be perfect. This prompted some technical comment from our waitress about using only three "tablets" not eight in the water and that she would not recommend the local stuff. In exasperation we asked whether she would personally drink the local water or not. "No I certainly wouldn't", she warned with authority.

We were impressed. She clearly had insider knowledge. We backed off. We all had early starts the next day and could ill afford a bout of stomach upsets overnight. We opted for the bottled water and thanked our lucky stars for our narrow escape.

Having now reflected on our close encounter with mains water I am moved to ask was this a genuine health and safety warning for the local people of Marden or simply a hard sell marketing ploy on the part of the Millstream? Perhaps the villagers in Marden could advise.

M ROSE

Worton