The Umbrella in a Restaurant: Cloakroom or at the Table
You arrive at the restaurant soaked from the rain and wonder where to put your dripping umbrella. Should it stay at the cloakroom, where it might be confused with others? May it stand beside the table, even if it drips water on the floor? The right decision depends on the type of establishment, the design of your umbrella, and the available storage options.
Walking Umbrellas Usually Belong at the Cloakroom
Long umbrellas with a length of 85 to 95 centimeters are difficult to store under the table. Most restaurants therefore provide an umbrella stand in the entrance area, often made of metal or ceramic with a drip tray for the rainwater. When you leave your umbrella there, make sure that distinctive handles or canopy patterns remain visible. A handcrafted handle made of wood or leather makes recognition easier. In upscale establishments, the staff takes the umbrella and stores it with a number.
Compact Umbrellas May Often Stay at Your Seat
Compact Pocket umbrellas with closed lengths between 25 and 35 centimeters fit into most handbags or can be hung beside the chair. Many models have a loop on the handle that allows you to attach the umbrella to the chair back. Let the canopy drip off briefly beforehand, ideally outside under the canopy. A folded compact umbrella in its protective sleeve does not disturb anyone at the table and remains under your control.
Umbrella Stands at the Table: Rare but Practical
Some restaurants place small umbrella holders directly beside the tables, usually metal rings on a stand or hooks on the wall. This solution is particularly suitable for Umbrellas with straight handles that can be hooked in. Make sure that the umbrella does not protrude into the staff's walkway. A walking umbrella with a crook handle hangs more securely than a model with a knob handle. The drip tray under the stand prevents puddles on the floor.
Minimizing Mix-ups at the Cloakroom
Black automatic umbrellas with standard handles often look confusingly similar. A striking canopy pattern, a colored handle, or an engraving in the wood help with recognition. Some manufacturers offer umbrellas with a name tag on the handle or an incorporated initial. Remember the position in the stand when leaving it and check the handle and canopy carefully when collecting. High-quality umbrellas often have details such as decorative seams or special rib ends that make them distinguishable.
Drying and Care After the Restaurant Visit
Open the umbrella fully at home and let it dry in an airy place. Frames made of nickel-plated steel or fiberglass do not rust when well manufactured, but require air circulation. Polyester canopies dry faster than cotton or silk. Remove coarse dirt with a damp cloth before it dries on. A well-maintained umbrella with an intact canopy and smooth opening mechanism will accompany you for years to every occasion.
Related: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The complete range: Umbrellas.
Related categories: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The full range: Umbrellas.
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