Etiquette and manners in Britain

Say please, thank you, sorry and excuse me, and greet people simply: Hello, Good morning and Hi. Queue regularly and do not jump anyone.

• Hold the door for the person behind you, and give your seat to the elderly, pregnant and disabled.
• Speak in a calm voice in public places, and respect others on transport so do not play music loudly or put your feet on seats.
• Leave personal distance (about an arm's length) and do not stare.
• Do not interrupt one speaking.
• Refrain from smoking in banned places (enclosed buildings and transport) and from throwing rubbish or spitting.
• And in residential areas respect the neighbours by lowering noise at night.
• And honesty is important so do not promise what you cannot do. And be punctual, and if late call and apologise.
• And greeting with a smile eases everything.

When you are invited to a British home tell the host of your arrival time and your dietary restrictions (halal, allergy) in advance.

• Arrive on time or ten minutes after (do not be very late or arrive early).
• Bring a small gift: sweets (chocolates), flowers, or wine for hosts who drink it (and if you do not drink bring chocolate, juice or tea).
• Present it quietly and give it to the host.
• Take off your shoes if you see people doing so or they ask you (some homes require it). Accept what is served with appreciation, and it is fine to decline food politely for religion (I do not eat pork, thank you).
• Eat a little of each item and do not leave the plate entirely empty or full.
• Thank the host on leaving, and send a thank-you message after the visit.
• And return the invitation soon.

Dress in Britain is mostly informal: comfortable clean clothes suited to the weather (carry a coat and umbrella since the rain is changeable).

• For interviews and formal work a suit or smart shirt, for parties and fine restaurants smart casual or smart, and for places of worship modest dress.
• And Muslim women have the freedom to wear the hijab, burqa and niqab in public places and work generally, and the Equality Act protects your religious freedom, with the requirement to reveal the face for security identification, exams or borders.
• Swimwear must cover according to the swimming place, and there are women-only hours in some pools.
• And undressing in front of people is not expected.
• And in cold winter use layers of clothes.
• And avoid wearing clothes with offensive slogans.
• And personal hygiene and smell are part of respect.

At the table the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right (some use the fork alone), and do not put elbows on the table, and do not chew with an open mouth, and wait for everyone before starting or say Please start.

• Ask for dishes to be passed politely, Could you pass the salt, please?, and do not take from another's plate.
• Do not talk with a full mouth.
• The soup spoon is moved away from the body.
• For drinks in a pub you pay at the bar, and the group drinks in turn (a round).
• The tip in a restaurant is about 10 percent if service is not added, and not in the bar, and taxi fares are rounded up. And cheers carries the meaning of thank you and good health.
• And when declining an alcoholic drink say No, thank you, I do not drink gently and without embarrassment.
• And coughing and sneezing are covered with the hand or a tissue and you say Excuse me after it, and others say Bless you to the sneezer.

Britain is a multi-faith and multi-cultural country, with churches, mosques, temples and synagogues, and freedom of religion is protected by law.

• When visiting a church you may find it open to tourists so keep calm, respect and modest dress, and stop the phone and photography during prayer, and no one obliges you to take part in rites.
• And for Muslims there are mosques and centres in most cities, and prayer spaces are available in many universities, hospitals and companies, and festival dates are announced.
• And everyone must be treated equally whatever their race, religion, sex or orientation, and bullying, harassment and discrimination are against the law and are hate crimes if driven by bias (hate crime).
• Do not mock others' beliefs, and if you face harassment report it to the police (101 or 999) or the organisation Tell MAMA.
• And friendly dealing and gentle curiosity build bridges.

What do you bring on a home invitation?