Bottle of Hastings

Mark Hastings, communications boss at the British Beer & Pub Association, spends much of his time sticking up for the hospitality trade. So it was a shame that he was let down so badly in the swanky Bank restaurant in Victoria the other day. Snifter's customary starter, a spicy tomato juice, was almost in his hand when the young waitress tipped it over Hastings instead. A fine dark blue suit and smart Jermyn Street shirt and tie changed colour instantly, as did the waitress's face. Hastings took it with admirable sang froid, displaying all the coolness under pressure that Snifter and his colleagues have come to expect. But to add insult to injury, barely an apology was uttered by any member of staff ­ it was as though they were quite used to such happenings. Hastings was offered the cost of dry cleaning, but then had to struggle to retrieve his coat when leaving as no-one knew where it had been taken after a quick dab down. Oh, and the obligatory tip was still included in the bill.