there was no specific widespread reputation for British waitstaff being stingy with customer requests for ice. It's important to remember that generalizations about any group of people, including waitstaff in a particular country, can be unfair and inaccurate. Service quality can vary greatly from one establishment to another and depends on individual attitudes and practices.
The practice of serving drinks with ice can vary from one region to another and is often influenced by cultural norms and customer preferences. In some countries, such as the United States, it's common to serve beverages with a lot of ice, while in other places, like parts of Europe, it's more common to serve drinks without as much ice.
If you've had a specific experience where you felt the waitstaff was stingy with ice, it's essential to remember that it could be an isolated incident or related to that particular establishment's policies. Customer service experiences can vary depending on the specific place, the management, the staff on duty, and individual attitudes.
If you encounter a situation where you feel that your request for ice or any other service is not being adequately addressed, it's always a good idea to communicate your preferences politely to the staff or speak to the management about your concerns. Open communication can often lead to a better understanding and resolution of any issues.