Bit random but how long...?

[FishChipsMushyPeas]

How long do you think it is acceptable to sit in a coffee shop/cafe and read a book (having bought a drink and possibly some food). I want to start doing more stuff on my own to feel more comfortable with it but I dont want to be embarrassed by being thrown out or something!

Depends how full it is. If there are several empty tables, it's fine to stay as long as you like. If people are waiting for a table then it's inconsiderate.

Thats a good point indeed, thank you :) I'll feel less self conscious if its quieter too anyway.

I think it depends how busy it is. If there are loads of empty tables if you are there for a couple of hours you aren't doing any harm and i.n fact are making the cafe look busier than it would, which is surely an advantage to the business, but if there is a queue of people waiting to sit down then probably half an hour max.

I sometimes spend a couple of hours in the cafe in my local garden centre. It is massive though and not busy when I go. I get a pot of tea and a breakfast.

I wouldn't sit for much longer than I had finished eating or drinking.

I live in a university town and it's not unusual for people to sit for several hours in a coffee shop with books and laptops. As long as you refresh your drink from time to time and eat some food you can stay as long as you like.

thanks guys, that makes me feel a lot better that I wouldn't get kicked out for reading!

My ex used to work for half a day at a time from a coffee shop. Tbh if you choose a quiet one they'll probably be happy for you to be around. Buying the odd drink and making it look a bit busier.

I’ve sat there for ages. Tend to choose chains to do this costa Starbucks/ cafe Nero type places. I feel independents need a faster turnover and also in chains the staff generally don’t care.

I tend to buy a drink and food item per hour I'm there if it's an independent place, so a coffee and breakfast to start, then maybe a water and bit of fruit, then a coffee and cake etc if I'm there for several hours.

Starbucks etc - not fussed as huge corps!

Brilliant, thanks! 😊