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AIBU?

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AIBU to think that too many restaurants play their music ridiculously loud

59 replies

DingDongDenny · 10/08/2026 10:11

We were visiting a small touristy village in Scotland last week with relatives and stopped to have lunch at a restaurant by the river.

When we walked in, there was only two other people there, despite it being lunch time. I had picked it because I liked the menu online, the view was good and the seating area was lovely, with comfy chairs overlooking the water. But as we sat down we realised the music was really loud, like nightclub levels, and we couldn't hear each other speak. The other couple were just glued to their phones.

I asked the waiter if he could please turn it down a bit and he said he gets asked that a lot, but the Manager won't let them. We decided to not to stay and on the way out I said to one of the staff that we were leaving as the music was too loud and she didn't reply, just looked at me like I was something stuck to the bottom of her shoe. We clearly weren't the demographic they were aiming for 🙄but then most of the tourists were either families or middle aged folk like us.

We ended up going to the cafe next door, which was heaving with folk and even there you could still hear their music.

AIBU to think that the comfort of your customers is more important than the 'vibe' you are trying to create. And that far too many restaurants have music that is way too loud and ruins the experience for most people, who are there to chat and enjoy the company of friends and family.

OP posts:
Ordonot · 10/08/2026 10:38

I used to work in a pub where the same music tape was played loudly on repeat. No one was allowed to turn it down, off or change the tape. Countless regulars used to complain to us and to the owner - the pub didn't survive and no one was surprised.
I don't go to loud pubs or restaurants. I don't go anywhere that advertises they have Sky sports - thankfully I can still find places that meet these requirements and serve good food and drink.

Unblushingly · 10/08/2026 10:33

DingDongDenny · 10/08/2026 10:29

I wish it was Unblushingly. That's just the most recent example I have, but I think it's very common. Last year we had a reunion of cousins and the restaurant we went to in Glasgow was so loud you could only speak to the person next to you in a table of 6. Even then you had to shout.

I know it sounds weird, but I can't taste the food as well when it's too loud 😂

I actually don't think that's weird (your last point) -- I think some research done by people developing meals to be served on flights suggests that it's not just the altitude and dry, recycled air that dulls your tastebuds down 30%, but that ambient noise also has an effect.

The restaurant thing isn't something I've noticed and I eat out a fair bit, but certainly restaurants in tourist areas and ones that want a fast table turnover deliberately 'encourage' people not to linger by loud music, yes.

DingDongDenny · 10/08/2026 10:29

I wish it was Unblushingly. That's just the most recent example I have, but I think it's very common. Last year we had a reunion of cousins and the restaurant we went to in Glasgow was so loud you could only speak to the person next to you in a table of 6. Even then you had to shout.

I know it sounds weird, but I can't taste the food as well when it's too loud 😂

OP posts:
Snufkin88 · 10/08/2026 10:27

I completely agree and thought the same thing when I was in my 20s so I’m not even sure it’s an age thing it’s not for me anyway . Always hated it . Hate loud gigs in pubs as well where you can’t have a conversation..

Unblushingly · 10/08/2026 10:26

Isn't that one bad restaurant, though? And in a tourist hotspot, therefore completely uninterested in repeat business? (Though if it was empty, I'm assuming they weren't actually interested in one-off business, either...)

Armorlux · 10/08/2026 10:25

You can add Marks and Spencer to the list. Ours,at least, seems to want you out of the shop as soon as you arrive judging by the a) terrible and b) loud music blasting out.
I did complain (politely) and was told it wasn't in their control. Obviously operated by aliens.

Topseyt123 · 10/08/2026 10:21

I totally agree. They don't seem to know what background music is these days.

Some shops can be the same and it is very off-putting. I avoid them.

Squirrelblanket · 10/08/2026 10:18

You're right. My husband has hearing aids and it can be really annoying if music is blasting out.

Chefpig · 10/08/2026 10:13

I agree completely. Even bars that play music too loud through the daytime put me off.

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