Would you go to a restaurant alone?

[Insanityismymiddlename]

Just that really, I fancy a specific meal from my local rotisserie but don't want to look stupid going by myself, DH can't come as he would have the DCs, DP is working and I don't really have many friends less that would be avalible short notice.

It's one of my favourite parts to going away with work. Just me, good food and no bloody small talk.

Yes - I do often if I am away for work.

Take a book or a magazine like everyone says, you'll be fine.

I love a peaceful meal

DH and a DP. Is there a thread about that somewhere OP?

Fuck the restaurant. Tell us more.

I frequently eat out on my own....find it really strange that it would be such a debatable subject for someone....

Your Dp and Dh now that sounds very interesting....and so casually 'slipped' in on your Op....will they be dining together in your absence??

Yes I would and have. I enjoy my own company, and I think it is good to feel comfortable enough in your win company to do things like go to a bar, cinema or restaurant. We may not always have others to go with and why would you sit home alone?

Why assume the DP is a man? Might not be...

If I'm away on a course, I go on my own as DH has the children - I have no problem going into a restaurant on my own - sometimes I'll take a book but it's fine not having one too - go for it OP, enjoy your meal

Why wouldn't you? I used to travel to London once a week or so overnight for work, where else would I have eaten?

Yes, wouldn't think twice. Enjoy your meal!

I suspect people would be less inclined to stare/ wonder about someone dining alone than at someone dining with two lovers at once

Yes OP, I would go to a restaurant on my own. If you are having problems eating but will eat something from this particular venue, sounds doubly important that you make yourself go.

I'd have no problem eating alone in a restaurant and frequently have to on work trips. But I wouldn't go out leaving DH &/or a DP at home to go out to a restaurant alone, just wouldn't quite feel right to me personally.

I'd happily go on my own and do so. I don't have any issues with food.

I'd go at lunch time though when the dc were at school and my dh and my boyfriend were at work.

@ Tranmere

No, sorry to buck the trend but absolutely not. I did this once out of necessity and still cringe whenever I think about it (and I did have my kindle!)1

Ah, I wish. DH took DToddler away to his parents nearly a year ago and I went to pizza express, sat by the window and people watched as I ate. Then I went to Waitrose, bought an enormous box of Guylian (sp?) chocolates and took them home to eat in front of Strictly all by myself. It was bliss. I'm wondering if we can turn it into an annual thing...

Why angeal? What happened? I often eat out alone - I love it! Definitely with a book. I wouldn't hesitate, OP - no-one will give you a second thought.

Perhaps it is dependent on the time of day.

Lunch alone and a coffee/cake midday and I agree no one will give it/you a second thought.

Turn up to a restaurant in the evening alone and they most certainly will!

I had a delayed train and was very, very hungry and wanted a nice hot meal. It was one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life - honestly. Hard to put into words but the pitying looks, the special attention given to me by the waitresses, the disbelief 'table for ONE?'

Next time, I'll go to McDonald's.

Yes.
I travel for work, and hate, hate hate room service - sleeping with the lingering smell of dinner isn't something I like.
So, the choice is then eating alone, or not eating.
Honestly, most people won't bat an eyelid.

Enjoy your dinner.

Even if anyone was so tiny-minded as to think you were 'strange' for eating on your own, who gives a toss if you get to eat a good dinner and have a nice time? You can't control what people think about you no matter what you do so you might as well please yourself. (within reason)

I sometimes eat alone in the evening. I've never thought it was at all odd.

Well I've been and gone lovely food but it was cringy sat surrounded by couples and families, the waitress was nice but a bit too nice as in kept checking on me a lot more than usual, on the plus side I scored a free dessert as they didn't have one of the things on my order.... Wouldn't get that if there was a group of us, all in all I probably wouldn't do it again.

Loads of replies so I will divulge a little bit just to keep you mumsnetters happy
I have a husband and a boyfriend, married 7 years and partnered for nearly 4.
Accidental polyamoury I guess, split with DH and met DP everything was normal, DH would visit DCs and leave again,until DH struck a friendship with DP and then would spend most evenings at mine playing Playstation with each other.
DH then became homeless and we offered him the sofa, he hasn't left since, and started showing me the guy he met and it all progressed strangely naturally from there with DPs consent (we were both into swinging previously and I guess it kinda just stemed from there).

It is a weird set up but we all get on fantastically and the DCs love having all their parents in the same house.

Loving the free pudding!!

Maybe it depends on where you are. Truly, no-one would bat an eyelid in London, and I assume other cities.