"I would rather," one reader wrote, "cope with a surly waiter than with a cigarette at the next table."

If you're after a sit-down feed, head inside for trademark sallow lighting, surly waiters, and lip-smacking pizzas, best washed down with a cold bottled beer.

She loved English's: all those fishermen's nets and scallop shells, surly elder waiters and large platters of steamed fish.

A certain coolness of temperament restricted my political partisanship; and assertiveness training struck me as little more than a tool for dealing with surly waiters.

In addition to the large servings, the restaurant is also known for its surly waiters, who allegedly try to impart some of the stereotypical gruffness of New York to visitors.

A surly waiter took their order.

Nor does anyone get to vote off surly waiters and whiny patrons.

And if the hugely likeable Darcia and Dwayne are anything to go by, the staff here could teach surly European waiters a thing or two about service with a smile.

It's all very well for me to tell you not to take any guff from a surly waiter or a patronizing sommelier.

Do you believe that the only restaurants open Christmas Day are staffed by substitute chefs and surly waiters?