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AIBU?

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Do you ever think about this when you eat out? MUST READ

232 replies

DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 05/04/2024 17:12

Years ago, I think it was a phone-in radio show show where they were talking about eating out. The caller said they put good-looking, smart people near windows and other prominent positions to entice new customers and I though, really, and started thinking where we were seated last time we ate out, lol

We rarely eat out other than a bite to eat at the local supermarkets unless on hols etc but when on hols, thankfully I have a really good-looking OH
😂and get a seat next to a window unless we don't want it.

I know for a fact that our daughter gets loads of attention from the waiters, male and female because she looks stunning, so it could be true?

Its their business, their choice, but not good practice IMO if it is still true in some places (For the record, I we do get put off if we see loud people and this that talk a lot with their hands and standing up, sitting down and big lol's)

NB: Do you own a restaurant/etc, do you practice stuff like this?

AIBU to think this kind of behaviour by some places that you go to eat to are doing this kind of thing are totally out of order as it should be the personality/behviour and not looks?

From a great newspaper in London - see below

Researchers on Channel 4 show Tricks of the Restaurant Trade discovered the best-looking diners were seated near windows to entice customers while less attractive customers were hidden away near the rear.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/top-london-restaurants-sit-ugly-people-at-the-back-claims-channel-4-show-a3148566.html

Top London restaurants 'sit ugly people at the back'

If you don’t get a window seat at a top London restaurant it could be because you’re too ugly and will put off other customers, a new documentary claims.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/top-london-restaurants-sit-ugly-people-at-the-back-claims-channel-4-show-a3148566.html

OP posts:
missin · 05/04/2024 20:58

As much as I am irritated with op, it's not a thread putting me off mn at all

Giving me a really decent chuckle 🤭 at the responses and humour in replies

clickclackclue · 05/04/2024 20:57

Restaurant Manager here, 20 years experience in Various establishments.
This absolutely does not happen, no way whatsoever!
The only reasons you may be seated in the window are if the Staff wanted the Restaurant to appear busy to those walking past. OR they want to close the back of the Restaurant and go home early. Nothing to do with looks at all, ever Confused

Calliopespa · 05/04/2024 20:57

Kasperber · 05/04/2024 20:52

@MNHQ Please delete this goady shite. And, while you're at it, please ban @DistinguishedSocialCommentator too. Thanks in advance.

Oh please don’t. This is really good fun. I say this as an insanely beautiful person who is also placed in window seats at McDonalds, Subway and Greggs have a full sized cardboard figure of me in their window to draw in more customers. I was flattered, as it’s obscuring the sausage rolls and steak bakes. But obviously they think I’m worth it.

🤣When you’re sexier than a sausage roll you know you’re hot!

Calliopespa · 05/04/2024 20:56

DuesToTheDirt · 05/04/2024 20:50

Years ago we were abroad with the kids, and we stopped at a restaurant to eat. Apparently all the tables outside at the front were reserved, and they put us indoors. Gradually smart couples arrived and magically there were free tables out at the front for these couples.

Would have walked away if I'd realised from the start what they were doing.

I do think it is true in some European cities. One well known Paris brasserie has an upstairs known as Siberia where tourists who speak awful French are secreted. Rumour has it they also send up all the worst cuts of meat. But my genuine feeling in the UK is that preferential treatment involves asking you where you want to be seated. Personally I would NOT choose the window unless there was a great view and I COULDN’T be seen.

Kasperber · 05/04/2024 20:52

@MNHQ Please delete this goady shite. And, while you're at it, please ban @DistinguishedSocialCommentator too. Thanks in advance.

Oh please don’t. This is really good fun. I say this as an insanely beautiful person who is also placed in window seats at McDonalds, Subway and Greggs have a full sized cardboard figure of me in their window to draw in more customers. I was flattered, as it’s obscuring the sausage rolls and steak bakes. But obviously they think I’m worth it.

DuesToTheDirt · 05/04/2024 20:50

Years ago we were abroad with the kids, and we stopped at a restaurant to eat. Apparently all the tables outside at the front were reserved, and they put us indoors. Gradually smart couples arrived and magically there were free tables out at the front for these couples.

Would have walked away if I'd realised from the start what they were doing.

PeggyPoggleshaw · 05/04/2024 20:47

Runnerinthenight · 05/04/2024 20:45

Spoilsport!! 😅

Apologies. 😂

Orangeandgold · 05/04/2024 20:45

When I worked in a restaurant we put our VIPs and regulars near the window because they get a decent view, it was a reaturant on the river so a nice place to watch the world go by.

Or we would put people near the window if they asked.

The main reason we would give a window seat was because there was one available and it’s usually a nicer seat. Unless you are in a shopping centre.

Runnerinthenight · 05/04/2024 20:45

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Spoilsport!! 😅

Kasperber · 05/04/2024 20:43

What about if you make your reservation under the name Distinguished Social Commentator?

Not sure. I can give it a try and report back. Or I could just tell them when I phone that I’m stunning and/or insanely wealthy and am a very big drinker, and see where I am sat.

pollyglot · 05/04/2024 20:41

((Yawn))

Calliopespa · 05/04/2024 20:40

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Oh I dunno. It’s entertaining…

PeggyPoggleshaw · 05/04/2024 20:39

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Salaaaaaaaah · 05/04/2024 20:39

TheTwirlyPoos · 05/04/2024 20:21

I reckon MN is paying OP. She's fucking hilarious.

Must confess I'm a fan. Enjoyed reading their updates on the royals as though they were the authority on the subject.

I mean "DistinguishedSocialCommentator", the pomposity of the name alone😆😂

Could very well be tongue in cheek though.

Runnerinthenight · 05/04/2024 20:38

What a load of shite! Most decent restaurants near me need to be booked to ensure a table, and I've never been asked to submit a photo first!

My utterly drop-dead gorgeous DD and I had afternoon tea in a 5 hotel last weekend. They didn't even have* any window seats; it was literally in the centre of the hotel!!

I didn't realise you had a DD, OP, thought it was only high-earning sons. Isn't your DD a high earner too?

Thudercatsrule · 05/04/2024 20:29

Good god, really OP, who the fuck cares. As others have said a sneaky stealth post about how gorgeous yr family is, really needed to say male and female waitstaff......bit creepy honestly.

Calliopespa · 05/04/2024 20:26

Kasperber · 05/04/2024 20:24

I’ve not been to a top London restaurant so can’t go by that. I’ve noticed in the most posery place locally though, I’ve heard that those who frequently buy expensive wines and cocktails are given A* treatment. Those who are visibly wealthy - ie arrive in flash cars which they park in front of the window and flounce in on a cloud of migraine inducing scent, blinding everyone with their bling and designer togs - are also treated very grovellingly. It’s nauseating. I’ve been when I’ve been invited to a few flash do’s there and it’s grim. Money definitely talks. So I can imagine in some places good looks carry clout too.

What about if you make your reservation under the name Distinguished Social Commentator?

Papyrophile · 05/04/2024 20:24

I suspect the OP is a journalist seeking vox pops.

Kasperber · 05/04/2024 20:24

I’ve not been to a top London restaurant so can’t go by that. I’ve noticed in the most posery place locally though, I’ve heard that those who frequently buy expensive wines and cocktails are given A* treatment. Those who are visibly wealthy - ie arrive in flash cars which they park in front of the window and flounce in on a cloud of migraine inducing scent, blinding everyone with their bling and designer togs - are also treated very grovellingly. It’s nauseating. I’ve been when I’ve been invited to a few flash do’s there and it’s grim. Money definitely talks. So I can imagine in some places good looks carry clout too.

dawngreen · 05/04/2024 20:24

Trying to get more customers thinking they are some thing special when seated in windows. So every one races and hopes they get a window spot. If that was true they would have less customers. Because they have to fill all the tables, and ppl sulking if they got placed on another table would avoid the place.

Emotionalsupportviper · 05/04/2024 20:23

Lurleene · 05/04/2024 18:13

I remember this was a story line in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Since watching that DH are painfully aware that we are usually seated in the ugly corner.🙂

You must be the couple in the next "booth-behind-a-screen" to us. I recognise your voices but have never seen you. Obviously both our groups are so hideous that we would frighten each other if our gazes accidentally locked, never mind putting the glamorous people of the OP's party off their dinner.

😁

MissHarrietBede · 05/04/2024 20:23

HelloMiss · 05/04/2024 17:35

I've not read the Op

Feel a bit rebellious ... what's going to happen to me

You will NEVER get a window seat. NEVER.

BlueThursday · 05/04/2024 20:22

That’s why I’m always papped into the kitchen

Calliopespa · 05/04/2024 20:21

TheTwirlyPoos · 05/04/2024 20:21

I reckon MN is paying OP. She's fucking hilarious.

😶

TheTwirlyPoos · 05/04/2024 20:21

I reckon MN is paying OP. She's fucking hilarious.

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