We found the British Consulate was decidedly unfriendly. My fiancée had a small clutch bag and had to wait outside as 'no bags allowed' and no facility to leave the bag at reception.
Sorry guys, maybe I did not it clear.
I did not comment on the level of security required, body searches etc.
Just that it was 'unfortunate' that a Filipino Fiancée is obliged to wait outside just because she had a tiny bag containing a tampon and a couple of tissues.
With the charges the embassy make, which compared with Spain are extortionate (example: Schengen (spouse) Visa was 30 euros in 2006) I don't think I am being unreasonable in expecting the British Embassy to provide a method where a person can leave a small bag at the reception, of course after having searched it, xrayed it etc !!!!
