Port Decanter

British Etiquette - Port

By No author
04/02/2012

The French drink port as an aperitf whilst in England Port is traditionally served after pudding, with the coffee or cheese course. Let's not forget that in England, Pudding is also served before cheese.

At an informal dinner or a restaurant no ritual is involved, however, take more care at a formal dinner when one should not, according to Debretts, take a sip before the Loyal Toast.

The ritual goes as follows: A port decanter is placed on the table so that you can help yourselves and then pass it on. Always pass the port to the left. If the port passes you by without your glass being filled do not ask for the port and make it change direction. Just send your empty glass after the port decanter and ask for it to be filled.