I went to the theatre on my own, where should I have eaten?

[Flowerypillow]

A big first for me since DH died. I went into London and saw a play in the West End, all on my own. I've had a really good afternoon, but I'm a bit cross with myself because I'd planned to also eat and chickened out.

Everywhere seemed either too busy to get a table or so empty I'd feel conspicuous. There were some Italian Restaurants that looked a possibility but they had "Italian" charmers drumming up custom on the doors and I couldn't face it, so I'm on my way home to make carbonara 😆

I will do it next time though, so on your own in the West End where would you head for to eat? And, stupid question, could/should I book a table for one?

Cool! What did you see?

I probably wouldn't book if you are eating after a matinee, but I've eaten in Bills on my own happily. Balans is nice, as is J Sheeky for a bit more of a treat.

I hope you enjoyed your play.

I often go to the theatre on my own as I'm a theatre nerd. This might be too downmarket for you, but I often pop into Benito's Hat on New Row - they do 2 for 1 on happy hour cocktails so I often buy two mojitos and enjoy my burrito, my two drinks and a book. Last time I did this I was opposite another woman doing exactly the same. We shared a grin when the drinks arrived.

www.benitos.co.uk/locations

What did you see?

I nearly always go to the theatre by myself. Squeezing it in between the gaps of work & home life.

I find the restaurants at the Barbican and the National Theatre generally lovely, very easy as a single person.

The thing I miss most about being by myself is having no one to talk to. Although the last time I was at the National an amazing American woman chatted to the point of annoyance all through my meal whilst her husband, with resting misery face, sat silently. Be careful what you wish for!

I remember the strangers at different times who engaged me very fondly, sometimes more memorably than the play.

I eat at Taro on my own all the time. Old Compton street. It's a Japanese restaurant in soho and its not unusual for Japanese people to go out and eat alone in a restaurant quite casually. I have been at all times of day and there are usually some other solo diners. Delicious food. Really relaxed atmosphere. Good luck.
If in a different city I normally eat alone in wagamamas. Again, always other solo diners.

Well done for getting yourself out there - I hope you enjoyed the show!

I really enjoy doing stuff like this on my own. My favourites around that area are probably J Sheekey and The Delaunay. If I'm treating myself :)

Hi Op! I went to the theatre and for dinner on my own last week. I went to Zedel Brasserie in Piccadilly as I'd been before so knew what to expect in terms of where it is / layout / menu.

They were very nice, not at all perturbed by a lone diner (I had booked ahead). I was offered a newspaper they had a pile of at the desk, so I suspect I'm not the only one that dines there alone.

The tables both sides of me were also pre-theatre so there ended up being a little bit of chat about what we were each seeing, but to be honest I just wanted to read my book

Notes down Benito's, readys insulated drink cup for plus one cocktail. No one suspects the middle aged.

I eat alone quite a bit when travelling but I tend to stick to chains tbh. Bella Italia, Prezzo etc, Angus.
Hope you enjoyed the theatre, what did you see?
Enjoy your carbonara!

Hope you enjoyed the play.
I’ve eaten at Wagamama on my own several times

Hi Op

Sorry about your recent loss,

Don't worry about what some people think about you eating as a single woman on your own at a cafe restaurant,

I do this quite often and love it,

Nothing wrong with this,

L.o.l everyone has to eat something sooner or later,
If you feel self conscious, you can glance at your mobile on table,
Or glance at newspaper/magazine
Or just check your Tablet pad,

Only once a random more mature eldery woman passing by,
She was nice enought but,
commented on me eating outside a cafe in swansea,
She asked me Why don't you have someone with you,
(another words a chaperone, L.o.l

I thought I had entered unwittingly a time wap,

Also a few times I have stayed as a single woman in budget hotels that have a quirky decor themes to them in London,

There was not so long ago,

A mumsnet thread Op,
About how much good emotionally it is to stay overnight in a hotel for a break on your own, without caring for anybody else,

I enjoy the food court at 7 Dials, a good range of food and great people watching opportunities.

I've been going to Benito's Hat for ages, but last time we were there, about a month ago, it was very lacklustre and they said they were about to close down. Sorry! There's another burrito place called Chipotle out in St Martin's Lane which is good too. Or hoof over to the Cork and Bottle in Leicester Square - underground place with a tiny entrance that's fab, and only five meinutes' walk from New Row.

Well done, it's tough but liberating too.

I go to itsu for a chicken salad before the show (running late usually) and go for dominoes after. Or if I have more time, a pizza express type chain.

If you were out and saw someone eating by themselves would you think “god what a loser, they must have no friends/be a real dick”. Would you even notice? I do get why you feel self conscious but really there isn’t any need to.

I eat alone all the time - mostly when I just want to escape from the chaos that is my home and when I travel for work (though I rarely do so these days) Just take a book and pick anywhere you fancy!

The food court in Seven Dials market, Bills, anywhere you can sit at the bar like Polpo or Brindisa. I go to the Cork & Bottle in Leicester Square, cheese and wine bar in the basement

@Goodread1

That says more about the (im)mature woman than you. Another time if it should happen again just reassure them that your parents allow you out on your own now you can behave yourself!!!!!!!!

I like eating at the counter if I’m on my own - would recommend Barrafina close to st Martin’s lane for amazing tapas or Kriket if you like Sri Lankan food. Have been to both on my own at different times of day and no one bats eyelid. It’s pretty common for women to eat by themselves in the middle of town so I wouldn’t worry about it. But can see why it feels odd. Sorry for your loss OP. Agree on taking a book. Nicer than scrolling through phone somehow X

I go to this sort of place

www.kosharistreet.com/

There are a few places of this type - sit in places but casual - I like them pre theatre as quick and I don't feel conspicuous on my own

I work in London most weeks and often go to the cinema or to a show. I eat in fishworks on my own regularly. It’s really nice. I never feel awkward. It’s a treat, if anything.

@Deathraystare
L.o.l 😄😄😄🤗

And definitely recommend Seven Dials.

Jo Allen’s if it’s still there!

I've often eaten at the Spaghetti House on the corner of Great Newport Street and Cranbourn Street when going to a (West End) London theatre.

They have several small tables which 2 people can just about cram onto, but which are much more suited to, and frequently occupied by, one. They serve very quickly, but without rushing the diner, as if they are used to people needing to meet a deadline. Plus the food is good and the prices OK for London.

When I'm in London I always like going to the theatre alone. I tend to stick to 'street food' that I can sit outside and eat while people watching or wander around with it. Little cones of ham and cheese, rice pots, bao buns, big burgers. Best way to eat in London.

I would go to Busaba and sit facing the street and people watch. Bliss! Busaba is my go to place when I'm eating alone in London.

Get the Thai calamari 😋