Giving people the time of day

[Chewbacca]

Don't try it on the Tube in London rush hour.

I did last time I was down there. 6’5” Geordie can get away with a lot.

 

[Alan Whittle]

It definitely is a "thing". I think it is something to do with the N/S economic divide. Up until fairly recently there seemed to be more economic migration in the south leading to a bit of the "citizen of nowhere" syndrome. In the north, under the onslaught of Thatcher, communities maintained themselves, looking after your neighbour and simple daily kindnesses were the lifeblood of the worst hit. You spoke to people, strangers or otherwise to maintain that commonality.
It used to be different in blue collar London areas of which there were many. Not so much now.

 

[Alan Whittle]

Even the waiters/waitresses treated me like I’d just whipped my bollocks out in the middle of the restaurant.

There's a joke in there somewhere about the size of your tip.