To use table cloths or not - that is the question.....

Should all Michelin star restaurants use tablecloths? 
What about Michelin pubs?

Why are customers in fine dining restaurants so adamant that a tablecloth is part of the overall experience - does it matter that much?

What do our Chef followers think?

What about tableware - what's the latest trend - and should it be displayed on tablecloths?!

Let us know what you think

Who says customers are adamant they require or expect table clothes? I would be interested to see that research and particularly the question that illicits that response.

Customers are adamant they expect outstanding food and service and the rest while important is primarily an opportunity for the owner to develop a brand personality.

Personally and based on research I would advise spending a little less on formality and a little more time on ensuring the delivery of hospitality with personality.

I feel it depends on the style of the establishment. If a business has good quality tables, that are well maintained. Why hide them with a table cloth? Many pubs use table cloths because the tables are well used and often worn. Michelin pubs should be able to decide for them selves. A table cloth does however make an establishment look more formal and to me a pub is not about formality it is about community. It all depends on what they business wishes to display. The consumer does however see table cloths as an upmarket luxury.

I think nobody really pays atention to this anymore. I think 2 and 3 michelin stars will always use table cloths, but the rest of the restaurants will make a decision for themselves based on the kind of restaurant, the look and feel as well as (let's not forget this) the budget they have.

it is up the restaurant to decide what works for them and their customers

cloths add to the sense occasion but cost money to buy and clean which is added to meal price!

So long as the food and hospitality are good then I'm not bothered if there's a table cloth.  You could have the brightest, whitest, heaviest most luxurious cloths on the market adorning the tables but provide a bad service and poor food, it's the service and food I'd remember not how lovely the cloths were!