We all have at least one friend who when out for an Indian or Chinese meal would struggle to pick from a single choice menu. They always insist on ordering last as clearly hearing the dishes spoken brings a clarity in decision making that isn’t there when reading the thing. The meal is served and they are the one full of regret they didn’t choose what someone else had devoured beside them.

That reason, ahead of many others, is why whenever I find myself out with a large group of friends we tend to let the kitchen decide what to feed us. The waiter is happy, the kitchen is happy, the choices served are usually varied, invariably delicious, and come in copious quantities. The bill is split – no one makes a fuss about only having a main but no starter. Everyone is a winner!

Our public and political institutions would do well to learn from the customer experience in Indian and Chinese restaurants. They fully appreciate the flavours their diners are looking for – which is why they don’t serve up a dozen Chicken Maryland when trusted with making the choice. Just because it's on the menu – that’s not the business they are really in, and if you want it, you’re probably in the wrong place.

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