Eating a pungent meal on public transport is one of the biggest faux paus going. But are elaborate spreads just as inconsiderate? One train passenger has sparked a passionate debate after crafting their very own cream tea on board a busy carriage, conjured up from a jar of jam and a pot of clotted cream.
While it is not known what inspired the hungry passenger - and whether they often enjoy cream teas on the go or had a particular hankering this day - they certainly made the most of the opportunity. Seated around a table with fellow passengers, the diner seemingly laid out their spreads alongside their drink thermos, before using takeaway cutlery to slather jam and cream onto a scone.
And the result looks beautifully tasty, even if it was prepared in a bizarre setting.
But the passenger recognised they had made an unusual choice, and took to Reddit, keen to know if they had taken things too far in their quest to enjoy a cream tea.
Posting to the CasualUK forum, the passenger shared a snap of the spread, captioned: "Cream tea on a busy train: am I living the high life or exhibiting poor passenger discipline?"
This in turn ignited a fierce debate, with scores of people weighing in on the matter in the comments.
One person said: "I would rather somebody ate an odourless jam and cream scone on the train next to me than a stinky cheese and onion or salami sandwich!"
A second said: "Not smelly so fine. But you'll want to be on top of your crumb management game." And someone else agreed: "Absolutely Fine. Better than than sushi girl on the bus this morning."
Several people also praised the passenger's resourcefulness.
"Living the highlife on a train in the UK is nearly impossible. But you are doing a fine job," read one such reply.
"You’re totally fine, likely look charming and subtly entertaining in your own little way," said a second.
And another impressed commenter added: "You look like mr bean making a sandwich on a park bench."
But some responses suggested it depends on the circumstances. One person said: "Long distance train = completely fine. Tube/overground= not OK."
And a woman commented: "Occasionally my husband will get allergic reaction from dairy near him in an enclosed space. 10 percent chance that cream would have made it hard for him to breathe and itchy...."
Who do you agree with? Let us know in the comments below.
