Letter: Opulent snip

TONY BARBER makes the pre-privatisation Gundel's sound like a post-war British restaurant ('Sorry, but the Cold War's off', 10 January).

It was nothing of the kind. When we visited Budapest five years ago our dinners there were highlights of our stay. Superb chandeliers, tastefully decorated, nicely carpeted, plenty of space; waited on hand and foot by four attentive gentlemen; a seven- piece 'orchestra' in the corner. To us this was near-opulence, and for a three-course meal of interesting food (I had sturgeon) plus a bottle of wine and tip, the grand non-capitalist price was pounds 10.

A J Severs

Durham