Not sure about the majority of Europe but as far as I’m aware you can still find lead or ceramic pipes in parts of the UK. Some plumbing is still Victorian as well I think, thanks to a lack of investment from the water companies.

As a chef in the UK, it was pretty much after every shift till closing in the pub next door.

Brit here, but we put any style of onion on and in anything, raw onion, fried onion, pickled onion, caramelized onion or onion chutney, take your pick.