In message , Richard J.
writes

I believe so, and I find that a request for "une carafe d'eau" is
accepted more willingly in France than asking for tap water in an
English restaurant. I have never been charged for tap water in either
country, though I once found a restaurant (Old Siam in Reading) that
refused to serve it.

I've often asked for, and got, a jug of water in London restaurants.
I've not been refused yet, though I have to be quick before someone in
the group pipes up for 'mineral water, please'.

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