Pub policy serves up some food for thought A

PUB chain in Essex is offering a 10% discount to customers who hand in their phones before they dine. Manager Chelsea Day said: “In today’s society everyone is constantly on their phone so we want to get people talking again.

“It’s a fantastic idea and has made a huge difference. Customers love it.”

As long as they don’t try to chat with their mouths full.

There’s nothing quite so offputting as small talk and chips flying across the table.

Mobile phones are indubitably used far too much on social occasions.

You see them being wielded in pubs, parties and by couples on dates.

They have become essential items at football matches or theatre to capture the moment in a tweet or text and are often left switched on in cinemas so as not to miss that essential call: “Pick you up outside at 10.30.”

They can infuriate those who prefer real life talk to virtual reality on a screen, but they also serve that essential purpose of protection from outside interference.

Look hard enough at your mobile and people may think you are dealing with important emails rather than playing Candy Crush.

But for goodness sake, they should at least be put to one side when out for a meal.

I’m happy to say that our Curry Club doesn’t need a ban on mobiles.

The craic is constant between courses, the aromas keep taste buds tingling so much that we forget to even take photographs of the Lucknow Lamb Chops or Yemini Chicken Strips, and we have a secret weapon that ensures noone is foolish enough to be diverted by Facebook or email.

Jamie the Hoover, as his name implies, doesn’t need a second invitation to help himself if he thinks a meal is going to waste.

Every group should have one and Jamie is available for hire to keep your dinner guests on their best behaviour. All he needs is feeding.