WITHOUT wishing to appear as a grumpy old man, I am appalled by the smartness of Southampton people when eating out.

Last Saturday, my wife and daughter treated me to a birthday dinner in the best Italian restaurant at the bottom end of town. We made an effort and dressed up in smart casual clothes for the occasion.

However, I was astounded to see that the majority of the people in the restaurant seemed to have come from the garden or beach, as jeans and trainers seemed to be the norm for a night out.

When people take time and trouble to dress up smartly for an evening out in a nice restaurant, it is sad that for some any old clothes will do.

Surely smart casual clothes are no more expensive than the obligatory well-worn jeans look. After all, this was a restaurant not a pub! Who determines that this style is acceptable?

Please make an effort and smarten up, Sotonians, when eating out.

B HERBERT, Southampton.