I rose to the whine and dine challenge

Many years ago I worked for a popular French bistro in Chelsea, London. On my second night I was waiting on a table of Sloane Rangers and their Hooray Henry male companions. One young man asked me if I could recommend a wine to accompany their meal. I responded that I was new and, as yet, unfamiliar with the wine list, but I could check with a colleague. ‘no need for that,’ said the customer. ‘What is your wine of choice?’ I replied that as it was a hot summer evening and a light meal, I’d probably opt for Mateus Rose. He exploded incredulously and, smirking at his fellow diners, told me pompously: ‘your education is sadly lacking, young man.’ Unable to restrain myself, I snapped: ‘My education was just as good as, if not better than, yours, Sir!’ ‘I think not,’ he said. ‘you don’t know which school I went to.’ ‘Well, it certainly wasn’t Winchester,’ I replied. ‘and just how would you know that?’ Looking at his companions, I announced: ‘Because Winchester’s motto is “Manners Makyth Man”!’ amazingly, they left me an unusually generous tip. robert (Bob) readman,

Bournemouth, Dorset.