Do you eat out alone? ???

I remember being in the queue at a lovely restaurant in Italy and being ignored in favour of people behind me. Not a moment's doubt it was because I was on my own. I had a quiet word with the offender and he soon found me a table. I have absolutely no problem dining alone but I much prefer congenial company to people watching if given the choice.

I'm sure there is another initiative that cafes can take part in, but I can't remember the name.

Perhaps it'll come to me.

I wouldn’t have a problem eating out alone in the daytime when I went on holiday alone it was definitely the worst part of the holiday I found it boring at the evening meal, breakfast and then lunch out were fine but evening seemed a bit sadder as everyone was in pairs or families
I could never walk into a pub alone that’s a step way too far for me

I have no problem with eating alone. However, it's been made very clear that restaurants are not keen on single diners as they take up a whole table which could be serving 2 or 4 people and so generating a greater amount of income. This was explained to me in a very 'nice' way by the owner of a place in St Ives some years ago when I was holidaying alone. Yes - I do that too!

I would, it's nothing to be embarrassed about, occasionally have popped into a coffee shop if I've been out on my own doing quite a bit of shopping. I don't think I'd do a pub on my own though.

I was only about 14 when I first ate out alone. I used to travel up from my boarding school in Reading to The Royal Dental School, then in Leicester Square. When I was 12 and 13 my mother always came took me but at 14 she reckoned I knew the route well and was capable of travelling alone.

After my treatment I went to the local Lyons Corner House, that had a coffee bar on the ground floor and had a fizzy drink and a sandwich for lunch before travelling back to school. I felt soooo sophisticated and absolutely loved it.

I have been completely relaxed about eating out alone ever since. I quite agree with those say 'east west homes best' but when home is several hundred miles away, or even 30 miles away, that isn't always possible.

I have been up to London several times this year to see exhibitions that only interest me - and I have more planned. That inevitably means lunch out - anywhere from a food court at a street market or somewhere more elegant. I actually made it to Pizza Express once!

I’ve never minded going to a restaurant on my own, and
people watching.
In fact I’m off to Tenby next week, and have booked myself
into several different restaurants for an early dinner at each one. I don’t have to plan the meals, cook or wash up. Bliss.
It’s one of my pleasures to be able to take a few days away from DH who hates holidays and prefers to stay at home and
“Cat sit”.

I have to..... my husband hasn’t been into a cafe/restaurant/ pub for 12 years ! Why bother he says when you, meaning me, can cook at home. Same for holiday ! So if I didn’t walk into these places and eat and drink... I would do nothing at all! I have never felt conspicuous at all walking into anywhere.... your moneys as good as anybody’s..... just do it!

I do think it is difficult in the evening if you are on your own. I would eat in the hotel restaurant if there was one, but having to go out in the evening and find somewhere on my own is something I am not keen on, I think instead I would eat a substantial lunch( though that goes against the grain) and buy in a sandwich or salad to eat in my room. Maybe it is easier abroad, but in the UK life seems to stop around 5,30 and there is nowhere to go , or nowhere I feel comfortable going on my own, which makes for a long evening. Nice cafes seem to shut around 4.30 which is silly.

I do eat out alone. More often coffee, lunch or a drink in cinema bar. It gives one a sense of achievement and if more of us do it more will do it. You can savour your food!

I'll eat lunch out on my own, and the other evening I was so, so hot on the bus coming home from work that I very nearly got off and went in a pub for a shandy.. only very nearly though.

I must say I do not have any restrictions on where and when I eat out on my own. I would go to any restaurant, lunch or evening on my own to eat, expect good service and complain if I thought I was ignored.

I have a little Yorkshire terrier....l go to places that accept dogs as many pub /restaurants do and l never feel alone.

I would even go into a bar or pub on my own, its not a problem.

Barmyoldbat, likewise.

Me too Barmeyoldbat!

Sometimes if I’d been into Manchester to a ‘good’ hairdressers I felt I’d want to round off the treat by going into a bar or pub for a glass of wine on the way home - very nice - and a lovely hairstyle brings its own confidence doesn’t it?

Thank you all so much for joining in this discussion! I’m really enjoying reading all your replies.
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Septimia Thu 12-Sep-19 14:29:32
I've taken myself for coffee alone and felt a bit like a spare buttonhole

That made me giggle!

I go into town for the U3A groups and enjoy finding different places to eat i.e a pub, Morrisons, Pig and Whistle. |If I am going to eat out after a class I sometimes ring a friend the night before and suggest we meet up. But I am very happy, after the meal, to use their wifii to catch up on emails, or to read my Kindle, or sort out all mu receipts etc. an people watch. sometimes I talk to people and have a good conversation.

Would rather starve than eat alone. Would find even a lonesome up of coffee difficult.

Grandmama Is their a reason you feel like this?

Is that because you’re shy Grandmama or self conscious about doing so?

From the replies, lunchtimes do sound less intimidating than an evening meal. Fortunately for me, if I’m hungry and don’t fancy staying in on my own, I’m happy to eat out.

I’ve just got back from a lovely restaurant on the marina. Had grilled salmon and salad, 2 glasses of wine and a dish of home made tiramisu!

I didn’t take a book. Was quite happy to people watch. I do like a table where my back is against the wall - no one behind me. But if there was no choice I’d sit anywhere.

Then again, I love food so it’s definitely worth it.

Unless I could pull up a chair at EllenVannin’s table .... yum!
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X posts MOnica. Our last posts were so similar too!

I so admire all of you who are happy and confident eating out alone. I would love to but would feel so self conscious and awkward - absolutely ridiculous I know, but I truly can’t bring myself even to drink a coffee on my own in a cafe, I buy a take-away and hide in my car with it. Madness!

I love going on holiday on my own. If I want to chat there are usually people around. I also love going out and having lunch or dinner by myself. I love the freedom.

I find going into coffee bars, cafes etc. on my own quite stimulating, as I love to 'people watch' and have no inhibitions about eating alone. After all, I am 72 years old, so why should I worry about other people? When I was in secondary school, my history teacher said to the class: 'it is a sign of vanity if you feel embarrassed that people are watching you'.

I do lots of things on my own. I rather like it as well. I have no qualms of eating out, I go out cycling, crown court to listen to a trial, swimming, and plenty more , on my own. Why not? I rather like my own company.