Table manner tips for media yobs

A word to Diary readers about to attend a work function – stop throwing bread rolls, slurping spaghetti, pinching bottoms and stubbing cigarettes out on your plate.

Conference organiser Banks Sadler surveyed 60 hoteliers about the behaviour of delegates. It found that 29 per cent think manners at industry meetings are “disappointing”, with eight per cent saying they are “appalling”.

Eighty-five per cent of delegates eat with the wrong cutlery, 47 per cent speak with their mouths full and two-thirds take telephone calls at the table.

Fed-up hoteliers are willing to stage “etiquette teach-ins”. So, you know who you are, sign up now and look forward to an Eliza Dolittle transformation.