to think it is unacceptable to sit in Starbucks, at peak time, nursing a coffee for hours

[thatsawrap]

Met a friend in Starbucks today for a coffee. Stood in queue for 10 mins waiting to be served. Put my order in and then waited another 5 mins or so for drink to be made up. The shop was heaving. Counted 14 tables. Friend and I stood with drinks thinking eventually someone would leave so we could sit down with our drinks.

5 mins passed, then 10 mins and then 25 mins... Not one seat became free. Mainly officer workers sitting, with empty coffee cup, working on laptops or having meetings.

We ended up standing in the shop drinking our coffee. Would have left and tried to find somewhere to sit outside but it was pouring down. Loads of people who'd ordered drinks and food ended up standing with us waiting for a seat.

AIBU to think its bloody rude to hog tables when you've finished your drink and you can see other people waiting. I'd be embarrassed if I was nursing an empty cup while others with food and drink waited to sit down. I'd at least order another bloody drink.

You should have asked someone to budge up so you could sit down. Starbucks actively encourages people to linger with wifi etc.

Did I tar all new mothers with the same brush? No because that would be foolish of me to do so instead i chose to mention the mums who frequent coffee shops. They're a whole other breed of their own. :)

I'll try again...
Why didn't you sit down?

Right, now kiss and make up, girls, and if I catch you bickering again I'll give you a bleedin' clip rand the earole!

YABU. DH and I go to coffee shops to relax and chat over a coffeee. We have been known to sit there for over 30 minutes, We alawys look to se if thire are seats free before going in.

I'm much more pissed off by people who haven't ordered drinks but have bagged tables, when table space is very limited. On Monday some old dear was hovering, vaguely over the only free table and admitted that she was intending to bag it while she waited for her friends to arrive. "They'll be along in 5 minutes, I'm sure", was her justification. I was feeling mellow so merely pointed out that when they did arrive I was sure they wouldn't mind sharing while I drank the tea I had ordered, paid for and was now standing around holding.

Ok..there are lots of chain coffee shops in my town where you just can't get a seat at lunchtime. Also coffee and cake or pannini for one costs up to 7 pounds!
So YABU - explore other options. Lots of restaurants do business lunches or 'coffee and cake' deals. Eg my local Thai does a main + rice with coffee for 6 pound. Or the Turkish place does meze for a fiver, or cake with Turkish coffee. Or try local arabic coffee shops or a Tapas bar? Even a Wetherspoon. The coffee is nicer, much cheaper and the people watching is more interesting.

Yanu, first come first served