[ArrogantBustard]

Where this American notion that people in the UK dont have the right of self defence is beyond me.

OK, let us suppose that one of the diners in this fine establishment had taken up his steak knife and cut the throat of one or more rioters.

What (if any) legal ramifications might he have faced for his actions?

[the scotsman]

If in self defence, nothing.

If in an act of aggression, manslaughter, although given the riots, the aggression would never be proven.