Table manners

I AM appalled at the table manners exhibited by the Ellis family in BBC2’s social history programme Back In Time For Tea.

They sit down to eat with elbows on the table, lick their knives, plates and lips, then wipe their mouths with the back of their hands. There is not a serviette in sight.

The whole family eat with their mouths open and talk with their mouths full, and they shovel in food with a fork and the back of a knife. Were they never taught as children how to eat properly?

JOHN BLUNT, Petts Wood, Kent. THERE’S nothing nicer than going out to eat in a restaurant with your partner or friends. It’s a time when great conversations can take place over a delicious meal.

So why is it that so many people choose this special time to stare moronically at their mobile phones?

They text, make calls or play games instead of talking to each other.

I propose that all restaurants have a no- mobile- phones policy. Diners should have to go outside to use them. If you are not expecting an urgent call, turn off the phone, relax, enjoy your meal and the company — after all, that’s why you have gone out for the evening.

P. WILLIAMS, London E4.