From dunking biscuits to circular stirring: The 6 things you should never do in a cafe

Virgin Radio

30 Sep 2022, 10:31

If you’re putting your pinkie up while drinking tea, or stirring your beverage in circles, you’re doing it all wrong!

I might seem like the stuff of royalty, or what the characters in Bridgerton need to worry about, but there are still ways to be polite when you’re enjoying a cuppa in a cafe. 

For coffee beans experts Coffee Friend, etiquette pro William Hanson has shared his six things you should definitely be avoiding when indulging in a brew, so beware of the following cafe pitfalls!

1. The little finger doesn’t extend up holding a cup 

That’s right, the old trope of holding up your pinkie is a massive no-no in the world of coffee and tea. According to William, the top of the handle should be visible at all times, but you should also try and avoid holding the cup like a mug, meaning all fingers are hooked around the handle.

2. Dunking biscuits is not acceptable in polite society

DO NOT DUNK YOUR BISCUITS. AT ALL.

That’s according to William, who says dunking your fave sweet treat into tea is an “arrestable offence.”

He admits from the comfort of your own home is a fine location to dunk that biccy into your tea, but out and about is a huge no. 

3. Napkins are not to be used as facecloths

Feel free to dap away some droplets of your tea or coffee away from your mouth, but another thing to avoid is using that napkin to fully wipe your face to remove any residue. 

Leave the washcloths in the bathroom, thank you very much! 

4. Stirring should be done back and forth, not round and round

This might be a controversial one, but stirring should be back-and-forth, and not circular. 

It does have some science behind it though, as apparently a back-and-forth motion stops any spillage, dissolves sugar quicker, and also looks much better too. 

5. Banging the spoon on the top of the cup is majorly incorrect

It might feel like the done thing to tap your spoon lightly on top of the cup, but it turns out that should only exist in the movies. 

Once you’ve finished stirring (back-and-forth remember!), a soft flick above the cup is the right way, so no banging the spoon please! Leave the spoon on your saucer at an angle underneath the handle for extra etiquette points. 

6. You should keep quiet while eating and drinking

If slurping really grinds your goat (or your coffee beans) then you’re in luck, as drinking and eating is an activity that should be seen, and not heard. 

That means no slurping or audible drinking at all, as it’s often considered rude and impolite.