Order a tea, not a beer

Alcohol is the one rule that is the same everywhere. A coffeeshop that serves it risks its licence, which is why the menu has tea, coffee, juice, milkshakes and soft drinks instead, and why the bar next door is a separate world (see entry 04). Bringing your own drink isn't welcome either. Staff will ask you to put it away or leave it outside.

Many shops expect you to order a drink if you stay and sit. It is the easiest way to earn your table, and the mint tea is usually good. As for food, some shops sell toasties, cakes and snacks, some have a kitchen, and many don't mind a snack in your bag as long as you ask. A few ban outside food altogether. The sign on the wall or the person at the counter will tell you.

A practical note: don't arrive hungry. An empty stomach and a strong session is a common recipe for a rough evening (see entry 30 on alcohol, and entry 32 if it goes too far).