Welcome back to our blog, where we delve into the intriguing world of dining and etiquette. Today, we have a special treat for you as we analyse Florence Pugh's eating habits in her recent video featuring 11 different British dishes.

As a requested follow-up to our previous reaction video to Hailey Bieber and Zendaya's eating etiquette, we couldn't resist exploring the delightful world of British cuisine with Florence Pugh. So, grab a cup of tea and join us as we dissect her dining style, one bite at a time.

Drinking Tea with Finesse

Let's start with Florence's approach to tea. A true connoisseur, she opts for the classic British tradition of adding milk to her tea. We appreciate her attention to detail as she pours the tea first and then adds the milk—a small but essential step for a perfectly balanced cuppa.

In the video, we catch a glimpse of a three-tiered afternoon tea set in front of her, although she doesn't indulge in it. However, we must note that the arrangement of sandwiches on the first rack, followed by scones and desserts, is spot on. Kudos to Florence for showcasing the correct order!

The Biscuit Dilemma

Inevitably, we stumble upon a small hiccup in Florence's otherwise impeccable dining etiquette. In one episode, she commits the cardinal sin of dunking a biscuit into her tea and devouring it.

While this may be acceptable in the comfort of one's home or among close friends and family, it's considered a childish act in public or during formal tea gatherings. Remember, dear readers, the only dunking that's socially acceptable in public is reserved for croissants in a French latte during breakfast. Let's leave the biscuits unsullied, shall we?

The Table Setting: Informal vs. Formal

Moving on to the table setting, we gain a bird's-eye view of Florence's arrangement. We notice a departure from strict formalities, as the cutlery is aligned on one side of the napkin. Traditionally, a formal setup would have the forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right.

However, as times change and informality becomes the norm, we witness this modern trend of aligning all the cutlery on one side. It's fascinating to witness the evolution of dining customs in our fast-paced, contemporary world.

Mastering the Cutlery

Now let's focus on Florence's handling of the cutlery. While she demonstrates finesse, we do notice a minor slip-up. Her index finger hovers slightly above the fork, which is not the ideal placement. To achieve optimal grip, the finger should rest between the bridge and the holding part of the fork.

Nonetheless, she adeptly holds the cutlery by grasping the holding part within her palms—a correct technique indeed. When it comes to eating, Florence shines. She holds the fork with its tines down, deftly collects beans on top, and brings it to her mouth—a textbook example of proper dining etiquette.

A Word on Body Positioning

As we near the conclusion of our analysis, we offer a simple suggestion for Florence. In the video, she leans too far over the plate while eating, particularly when enjoying the beans. For optimal control, we recommend bringing the body closer to the plate without bending too low. This adjustment ensures that any stray beans find their rightful place on the plate rather than on one's lap. Remember, it's all about gracefully lifting the fork closer to the mouth, rather than contorting one's face towards the fork.

Sniffing the Food: A Faux Pas

While Florence demonstrates an impressive grasp of cutlery etiquette, there is one aspect that caught our attention. In the video, she can be seen sniffing her food before taking a bite. As adults, it is generally considered improper to sniff food in public, except in the comfort of your own home.

Instead, if you are unsure about a particular dish's aroma, it is best to take a small bite and chew it before forming an opinion. If you dislike the flavour, discreetly leave it on your plate until it is cleared, avoiding unnecessary movements or attempts to discard it elsewhere.

Handling Finished Dishes

Another minor misstep we notice is Florence's habit of pushing away her finished dish from the table. It's important to remember that once you are done with a meal, you should leave the plate in front of you and refrain from moving it around. Instead, use proper utensil placement to indicate that you have finished.

Position your knife and fork side by side, either at 10 to 4 or 12 to 6, to signal to the waiter that you are ready for your plate to be cleared, even if there is food remaining. This applies to situations where you may not have enjoyed the meal as well. Simply leave the dish as it is and place your utensils in the finished position.

The Ketchup Dilemma

In one scene, Florence applies ketchup directly from a shared plate onto her scotch egg. While this may be permissible when you are the sole consumer, it is best to practise proper hygiene when sharing condiments. If you are at a communal table, transfer a small amount of ketchup onto your own plate before using your knife to apply it to your scotch egg. This simple step ensures cleanliness and consideration for others.

Tea Etiquette

As Florence takes a break from her food to enjoy a cup of tea, we observe that she holds the teacup correctly, pinching her index finger and thumb together while tucking the other fingers underneath. However, she slurps her tea, which is generally considered impolite. Remember, it is essential to chew and sip with your mouth closed, allowing your personality to shine through while still adhering to good manners. Embracing proper etiquette demonstrates respect for your dining companions and enhances the overall dining experience.

Cutting Bite-Sized Portions

One important rule to remember while dining with a fork and knife is to cut your food into bite-sized portions. This allows you to take a bite without having to open your mouth too wide or risk the food spilling out. Remember, when dining with others, the focus is on the company and conversations at the table, rather than simply devouring your meal. Pay attention to how you eat and practise cutting your food into manageable portions.

Resting Utensils

Florence demonstrates an understanding of proper utensil placement, particularly when taking a break from eating. She correctly rests her utensils on her plate, signalling that she is temporarily pausing. This etiquette practice is essential, as it allows for uninterrupted conversation without holding utensils in hand. It's a small but significant way to showcase poise and consideration for others at the table.

Reaching for Items and Grooming

In the video, Florence faces a dilemma when she wants to reach for an item on the table but doesn't have anyone nearby to pass it to her. While it is generally best to ask those closer to the item to pass it, in this solo dining scenario, she could have politely asked the waiter for assistance or slightly lifted herself from the chair to reach it. It's important to avoid unnecessary movements that may disrupt the table or lead to clumsiness.

The Art of Enjoying Dessert

When served Victoria cake, Florence receives her dessert utensils directly on her plate, which is not the conventional placement. Typically, these utensils would be presented on the sides of the plate or brought in separately. However, she adapts by moving her fork and knife to the sides and using a cake server to cut and serve herself. It's important to note that once the server has been used, it should be placed back on the cake tray, rather than on the tablecloth, to avoid staining.