'Only way' to eat a banana is with knife and fork, etiquette expert insists
William Hanson is the author of "Just Good Manners: A Quintessential Guide to Courtesy, Charm, Grace and Decorum," which was released on May 27.
He's also executive director of London's The English Manner, the "leading etiquette and protocol institute" in the United Kingdom, according to its website.
He's gained a large audience with his etiquette videos on social media, with over 6 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined.
In a recent video, Hanson talked about "the only way you should be eating a banana."
"No, we don't pick it up and peel it like a primate," said Hanson, who declined to be interviewed, in the video.
"Instead, we use a knife and fork. First, going from one end, cut it off, then cut off the other end, turning your knife on its side. Then score down the skin, peel back and eat like so."
The video shows him eating a banana slice with a fork.
It has prompted over 200,000 views and over 28,000 comments.
"I'm not doing extra dishes for a banana, William," one person wrote.
"That's enough now, William! Time out!" wrote another commenter.
"Bruh, you offended the entire world's population," said another person.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
He has similar videos about the proper way to eat grapes, rice and peas.
But what's supposedly sophisticated in England may come across as peculiar in the United States.
"There are definitely different customs in other countries, but most often you will not be served a whole banana with the peel in most formal settings," Diane Gottsman, founder and owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, told Fox News Digital.
Gottsman called Hanson "a wonderful personality." She said it's perfectly acceptable to eat a banana with your hands.
"There is seldom a time when you will be served a whole banana at a formal function," she said.
"The best thing to do is observe the host and follow the same technique."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Always smiling' woman retires after 50 years working at village pharmacy
AN 'always smiling' woman who worked at a village pharmacy for around 50 years has retired. Penny Newham, 70, has just retired from her job at Poulner Pharmacy after a long career serving members of the community in her customer-facing role. Her daughter, Kat Saunders, said: "Every town has them - the person everyone knows. "I've grown up with it, everyone knowing my mum. READ MORE: "The chemist is not a place you go to for fun - you go when you're not well or need some help. She's so friendly, she puts everyone before herself, she always has. She's always there smiling". Penny began her job at the pharmacy in the 1970s, straight after she finished school. She worked at the chemist through its various brand changes, new management teams and the pandemic in 2020. To locals, Penny has always been known for her kind and selfless demeanour over her 50 years at the pharmacy. Manager Calvin Koh has worked with Penny for two years, and has said she will be particularly missed by the team. Calvin said: "She really cares for each person, she's not just like a robot! "Because she's been here for so long, everyone's familiar with her. After learning that she's been working with the same customer for almost all her working life, it's quite shocking really. "For the two years I've been with her, she's been very devoted to her job. She is a very devoted, genuine person." Kat shared the news of Penny's retirement on Facebook, and the post was flooded with more than 100 comments wishing her well. Penny has now retired from Poulner Pharmacy (Image: Norma Hooper) One person said: "Penny how will they cope without you! "You have given Lloyds Pharmacy great service. I hope they have acknowledged what you have done for them over years. "You were always a pleasure to work with and I wish you a happy healthy long retirement, "Whoever has been given the job of filling your shoes, they have very large shoes to fill." Others described her as "remarkable" and "a truly lovely lady". Penny will now take the time to relax and take care of herself, having celebrated her 70th birthday this year.
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
Where To Eat And Drink In Northeast Portland Right Now
Northeast Portland has long been one of the city's most eclectic quadrants—rooted in historic neighborhoods, shaped by waves of cultural change and now brimming with some of PDX's most exciting food and drink. Once known for its strong working-class and jazz-era roots, the area has evolved into a vibrant mix of old-school institutions and cutting-edge culinary talent. Tree-lined streets, restored Craftsman homes and mural-covered walls set the stage for a dining scene where creative chefs, passionate bakers and inventive bartenders make NE Portland distinctly its own. In this corner of the city, you'll find old-school comfort food joints, innovative chef-driven kitchens and cocktail bars with just the right mix of quirk and polish. Whether you're starting your morning with a plate-sweeping breakfast, lingering over a seasonal dinner or sipping something strong late into the night, these spots prove you don't have to leave NE Portland to eat (and drink) exceptionally well. Northeast PDX Must-Visit Food And Drink Where To Eat Breakfast In NE PDX A Portland brunch classic, Gravy PDX is famous for its namesake dish: silky, peppery sausage or veggie gravy poured over biscuits the size of your face. Expect generous portions, a cozy diner feel, a delightful challah french toast and a menu that could easily carry you into lunchtime. This PDX neighborhood gem leans into elevated comfort food and a breakfast menu that's creative without being fussy. Think seasonal scrambles, huge pancakes and the best hot sauce I've had in ages, proudly made by the owner. (She walked over to my table and poured it on my eggs, unprompted). Oh yeah, and there's live music at like, 8 AM. You love to see it. Where To Eat Lunch In NE PDX Beloved for its dog-friendly patio and hearty, feel-good fare, Tin Shed serves big, satisfying sandwiches (the chicken sando with jam was perfectly sweet and savory), bowls and scrambles. It's the kind of place where the portions are generous, the service is warm and everyone leaves happy (most importantly, your pup). A whole-animal butcher shop and sandwich counter in one, Pasture PDX turns responsibly raised meats into some of the best sandwiches in the city. Expect expertly layered flavors, house-cured meats and sides that rival the mains, like the daily soup which was flavorful and filling enough to be a meal on its own. Where To Eat Dinner In NE PDX Sitting gracefully inside the Cascada Hotel, Terra Mae fuses the rustic soul of the Portuguese countryside with the sleek precision of modern Japanese cuisine. From luxurious milk-bread buns with duck-skin butter to wagyu tartare and octopus salad, every dish unfolds with elegance—and unexpected depth. Be sure to order the peri peri chicken, duck duck rice and the linguica dumplings. Known for its naturally leavened pizzas and seasonal salads, Lovely's Fifty Fifty is a Portland institution. Local produce and house-made everything make for pies that are as beautiful as they are flavorful. Don't skip the little gem lettuces with fresh and creamy garlic dressing and the cherry tomato confit with shaved summer squash pizza. Where To Get Drinks In NE PDX A lively, neighborhood cocktail bar with irresistible charm, Take Two welcomes you 'back on the horse' every evening with stellar drinks, casual bites and a vibe that's both cozy and cool. With nods to '60s-and-'70s film, Italian-American fare and western flair all under one relaxed roof, it's the kind of spot where guilty pleasures feel delightfully guilt-free. Don't miss their daily happy hour, 3-5 PM. Located inside McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel (an abandoned elementary school transformed into a whimsical, retro hotel) the Boiler Room serves up creative cocktails in a cozy, wood-and-brick space. A drink here feels like sipping history with a twist. It's a quirky date night spot that will give you something to talk about, even if the date's a bust.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
New food waste service collects more than 331 tonnes in just eight weeks
More than 331 tonnes of food waste have been recycled in the first eight weeks of a new council service. New Forest District Council's new waste and recycling service is underway for more than 31,000 residents in the phase one area. In the first eight weeks, more than 331 tonnes of food waste were recycled, enough to fill more than 6,000 sacks. The food waste is being turned into renewable energy and fertiliser, decreasing the amount of waste sent for incineration. Read more Council offers family-friendly recycling activities at county show Council housing services get satisfaction rating of 84 per cent Wheelie bin rollout begins for New Forest areas (Image: New Forest District Council) Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: "This is a big shift in how we manage waste locally, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone in phase one for embracing the changes. "The volume of food waste being recycled already shows the collective impact we can make. "Every peel and plate scrape recycled helps reduce our environmental footprint." The new service encourages recycling by limiting the amount of general waste that can be left out in sacks. It also makes collections safer for crews, keeps streets tidier, and helps the council meet upcoming national recycling requirements. While the majority of collections have gone ahead as planned, the council recognises some residents have experienced disruption and are actively working to respond.
