Ordinary Gweilo

Another splendid letter from the always enjoyable letter column in the SCMP, where one of the great issues of the day is whether it is necessary to clear your table after eating in McDonalds:

When I go to a restaurant, I always have a waiter or waitress serve me – that is, a man or a woman takes my order and brings the food I ordered to my table ("Change social conduct", August 19).

After finishing eating, I – the customer – am not expected to take the empty plates, glasses or cups back to the washing-up area, so why should anyone do so in a McDonald’s outlet?

A McDonald’s is not an upscale restaurant, but bills itself as a chain of "quick-service restaurants".

BOB BEADMAN, Tsuen Wan

Indeed. When I visit McDonalds I find a table near the window, summon the waiter, order my lunch (a chicken flat bread, green salad and small mineral water) and then wait for a few moments whilst my food is cooked and delivered to me.  I find it a very agreeable experience.