Maybe but I have seen this at other places too and they are all self serve restaurants. I think in these cases its intentional.

It will be good to not tip, at least for a little while.

Now please don't get ideas about the general rules about tipping in the UK, but there is always the exception:

http://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news...-tip-1-7768918

Wow! As the entire bill was only £80 for I think 4 to 5 people then that is an extremely generous tip. Of course that is the exception and at times you hear stories here as well about exceptional tips like that. It is certainly nice to see.

As you know tipping is very common here and I generally tip 15 to 20% or more if the service is been very good. However if the server has been let's say not very good or even in some cases rude then they will get quite a surprise for me when it comes to their tip. We will once in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and our server did such a fantastic job I gave him a very generous tip and I still remember the look on his face and his eyes getting wide with happiness when he saw it. On the other hand we once went to a restaurant to New Delhi and the server was frankly terrible and I gave him a tip that reflected his effort. The look on his face was a bit different and when he looked at me I said your service was very bad today. Well we happen to be shopping in that area the next day and went to that same restaurant again and he was our server again and let me tell you he was much better and so is my tip.

Well we happen to be shopping in that area the next day and went to that same restaurant again and he was our server again and let me tell you he was much better and so is my tip.>>

that was brave. Have you read Orwell's Down and out in Paris and London?

Beware the revenge of the disgruntled waiter.

Actually I haven't but I suppose it has something to do with dirty tricks. :S-.

Actually I haven't but I suppose it has something to do with dirty tricks>>

definitely. hopefully your waiter hadn't read it either.

I'll keep that in mind in the future.
Good idea, thank you

Thanks for all the replies. We have decided on the holiday inn in Sydney. Now to decide on Brisbane.

Did you choose the Old Sydney, Potts Point or Darling Harbour?

Old Sydney. It looks fine and is close to the pier.

Our choice for Brisbane accommodation is the Meriton in Adelaide Street. Last time I think we paid about $150 a night for a one bedroom apartment with all mod cons, and only five minutes walk to the river. Great views over Brisbane and the river.

Good choice, it's right in The Rocks & mere footsteps to Circular Quay.

If your ship berths st the OPT, it's practically opposite the Old Sydney.

While you're in the area, the MCA (museum of contemporary art) is worth a visit and has a very nice rooftop terrace on the 4th floor, from which you will have great views once your ship gets out of the way. The cafe downstairs is a good spot for lunch (and will have lovely opera house views once the hulking ship departs).

I misread your initial post - let's hope there aren't any other ships at the OPT, until yours arrives. Then you, and everyone else, will have great harbour, opera house & bridge views.

Thank again. Our niece said a hotel in the city center in Brisbane would be fine. Is the Meriton a full service hotel?

They live in an area called Nundah so any hotel recs in this area would be appreciated.

You will not be disappointed staying at the Holiday Inn Old Sydney! There are a lot of small restaurants in the area that serve wonderful breakfasts. Wish I were going back to Oz.

Meriton doesn't do hotels.

They have well located & appointed self catering apartments.
In Brisbane, there are two - in Adelaide & Herschel streets

https://www.meritonapartments.com.au/brisbane

Nundah is 8 Kms from CBD. There is a comfort inn and Quest nearby . Niece probably suggested CBD so you can see the city and get around rather be in the suburbs even though it's inner city .i would be guided by what she says . Quest are serviced apartments and are usually good.

Ok. I would not want her to drive a lot to get to us but 8 kms. is fine.

Thank you.

Larry. :).