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?

Why wouldn't J.Sheekey be a treat ?

I've just had a gander at the menu....looks great

If anyone is going to Hamilton or Wicked in Victoria head straight down Wilton Road between Victoria Station and Wicked towards Pimlico. Lots of very nice restaurants within five minutes. Special ones include: Tozi is within the Park Plaza hotel one minute from the station. It's small plates or slightly bigger plates of Venetian or northern Italian. Don't be put off that it's in a boring hotel.

Two minutes from there still on Wilton Road is A. Wong which is a Michelin-starred Chinese. It's seriously good but expensive. About Thyme a bit further down the road just before the traffic lights is modern British/Mediterranean with a Spanish influence. Tapas about about £7 a plate. Mains about £20- £25. Very good wine.

Cross the road and turn right onto Warwick Way and in 30 seconds you'll be at Cyprus Mangal which is a fantastic Turkish Cypriot place. All the usual stuff and grilled quails.

There are lots of nice chains on Victoria Street including a branch of The Ivy but it is worth heading down to Pimlico . It won't take any longer than walking to the Ivy and you won't get lost.

So sorry for your loss, OP. I'm glad you took yourself out.

Once you have a bash at eating alone once, you start to realise that nobody's that fussed and the self-consciousness is mainly in your head. I was always too shy and awkward to do it before but these days I own it. I often eat in Dishoom alone when I'm passing through London - now I no longer live there it's quite a treat to find myself near one. I love the suggestion of Brasserie Zedel, bet loads of people eat alone there in a very chic manner.
I also really like that dumpling place in Chinatown, think it's called Jen? - it's painted green and on the corner? It's very low key and the staff are equally rude to everyone so I really enjoy stopping in there to eat dumplings and read a book.

I'm so sorry for your loss OP

As PPs have said, Cork and Bottle Leicester Square is wonderful as a lone lady. Never had an issue there myself and a really good starting place as truly no one will bat an eyelid - but you will feel comfortable and have good food before / after good theatre.

Sending many un-mumsnetty hugs as you move forwards in this new adventure

I eat in Whahaca on my own and it’s always fine. Sometimes Wagamama

I love the Flat Iron, great value and quality steak and I wasn't the only one on my own.

Prix Fixe in Dean Street is very good.

@Lcb123 agree Polpo (Beak Street) is a good call - I love going there on my own and sitting in the corner of the bar! Brindisa is nice too (as is Cafe Murano - also has a bar to sit at). You can go anywhere you fancy though 💐

It is funny isn't it how women feel awkward going out and eating alone when our money is as good as anyone else's

I will admit about 30 years ago or more I would have imagined people sniggering that I had been stood up or worse asked to leave as "we don't want your sort of woman in here". I got out of that way of thinking and am so bolshy now that I would not shrivel and creep out if anyone spoke to me like that anyway!!!

I do agree when you stop to check a place out the last thing you want is some charmer inviting you in. It happens on holiday and here now too. No matter how lovely the place looks I swiftly move on if that happens. I will make up my own mind about a place not have someone who works there tell me how great the place is!

Bumping this.
Feel free to PM me if anyone fancies going to Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons?
or any other British play drama.
Happy to go with random company.