London Lapses

As a confirmed Anglophile, I was deeply disappointed after a recent trip to London. The most pleasant thing about visiting this city used to be that you didn’t have to remain on constant guard against swindlers, gougers and various mountebanks such as you might encounter in Rome, Cairo or even Paris.

Alas, this has changed radically since my last visit there in 1995. This was most vividly demonstrated by my experience at a West End restaurant, where a cover charge was added to my bill along with an “optional” service charge, none of which were indicated on the menu. When I quietly objected, a loud, nasty dispute erupted. Similar episodes followed.

My heart weeps for Britain. Not only has she lost her empire but her moral core as well.

JOE SINGER

Bel-Air