Cafe table hogging...

[TrueBlu]

Not sure if I'm bu or not.

So was out with my 3 young DC during half term. Took them into Cafe Nero for lunch and the whole place was full of people sitting there with nothing at the table waiting for their other half to bring the coffees.

I have done this before with DC as don't want them getting in everyone's way in the queue but these were pairs of adults on tables of 4.

There was one man with an empty coffee cup on a table for four slowly reading his way through the papers while we stood there with a tray of food waiting for a seat.

Now perhaps I am bu but I find it so inconsiderate! If I can see elderly people, or people with DC/pregnant I will make sure I don't make them wait any longer than it takes me to eat/drink and go. Especially at busy times!!!

There was one man with an empty coffee cup on a table for four slowly reading his way through the papers while we stood there with a tray of food waiting for a seat.

One thing I have learned from Mumsnet is that there's no law against asking if you can share a table ....

I never understand the angst overy reserving tables like this, why would two or more of you queue for drinks?! I would always say to the person with me to grab a seat and I'll get the drinks/food.

If that makes me a rude, entitled cow then so be it!

Go and share the paper-reading man's table... I bet he doesn't stay long after that!

If I'm not sure I can have a table I don't buy the food, that's why one of us sits down and one gets the food. No way am I buying food to stand there with it going cold.

Tbh I think they have just as much a right to be there or 'hog' a table as you do.
I never really get the angst with these type of threads.

I get annoyed at seeing bunches of kids in coffee shops. I just don't think it's the same as taking your children to family friendly place, coffee shops are always cramped with tables that seat 2 and 4 max. It's just not the place for them and it is the place where ppl will sit away their days slowly enjoying their beverages whilst perusing a newspaper or a book, so it's unlikely someone is going to see you have DC waiting to eat and move for you.

I had a £25 voucher, otherwise I wouldn't think to take them there. But yes I do see your point.

Why is it ok to leave your dc bagging a table while you queue, but unreasonable for other adults to do the same?

If someone came in with less ability to sit anywhere than me (whether just a newborn in a pram or actual mobility issues) then I would move to another table for them if mine was easy access. But no, wouldn't be hurrying along because someone with kids might want my table.

"There's no other table available, is it OK if we join in please?"
YW

I get annoyed at seeing bunches of kids in coffee shops. I just don't think it's the same as taking your children to family friendly place, coffee shops are always cramped with tables that seat 2 and 4 max.

Where are those family-friendly places when you want to sit down with your children and grab something small to eat? Because the only other alternative I see is McDonald's where I wouldn't bring my child at all, she hates the food or pubs, which certainly isn't a suitable place for a child.

*Why is it ok to leave your dc bagging a table while you queue, but unreasonable for other adults to do the same?(

This would be my point.

Because they would get in people's way in the queue, people were wobbling around with hot drinks on trays and it was a bit chaotic.

Actually Martina there are loads of family friendly pubs

Actually Martina there are loads of family friendly pubs

Too many, actually ...

Actually Martina there are loads of family friendly pubs

Too many, actually ...

Haha

Martina I don't know where you live so can't make personalised suggestions. Also, if your dd doesn't like convenience food style places like macdonalds then I'd suggest restaurants? Tea rooms? There are family friendly pubs like harvester and whatever the other ones are called that are suitable for grabbing something quick to eat.

I'm not saying ban children from coffee shops but I do think a lot of ppl don't expect to see them there and so won't cater to them by realising they're taking up a table of 4 and leave because they're only having a coffee.

I get more annoyed at people that have finished their drinks in a busy pub/cafe and don't move to let people that have just bought a drink, have a seat. How can you just sit there knowing someone is having to stand while you are sat down and clearly finished? So selfish. Fair enough if there are spare seats for others.

Why is a tea room more suitable than a coffee shop? That is just bizarre! Surely just the same sort of place? Little tables, not huge amount of room?

And no I wouldn't go to Harvester - yuk! Admittedly places like pizza express are easier, but if you just want to stop for coffee & cake? Of course they're suitable!

I have asked before to share a table, never had an unpleasant response, and I offer to others to share mine if they are standing with a tray.

Going off topic here but, the tea rooms near me are very child friendly. They have princess type lunches and play areas. Might not be the same everywhere else?

Again, harvester is a personal choice just like Martina wouldn't take her dd to a mcdonalds and I wouldn't take dc to a coffee shop. My point being, don't be surprised if ppl at coffee shops aren't as receptive to you having dc and needing the space more than them because they're only having a coffee and you're eating.

There are plenty of things in coffee shops that children like to eat and drink so it's not unreasonable for parents to take them or for a business to profit from their custom. I am very happy to share my cafe or table with children... it's only the badly behaved ones I object to.

I was doing some essay reading in Costa the other day and a pair of grandparents and their grandson came and sat with me. I didn't mind at all but the GS was obviously mortified. I do feel guilty because usually I go to coffee shops alone and often there aren't tables for just one person to sit at. It also makes it hard when people have others to go and bagsy tables for them. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my rucksack with my ipad/laptop in it at a table and I think people would think I was being VU if I did!

If im wanting to sit in and eat with someone/the kids, I like to make sure theres a table avaliable otherwise id just go elsewhere. Nbu to send the rest of the group to sit while one queues.

If I was on my own Id just get stuff to go of it looked cramped

Shock horror...'Man drinks coffee & reads paper in... a coffee shop' 😳

It's a coffee shop not a fast food outlet. If I want to linger over my coffee or paper I will.

What's more, if I'm with a friend one of us will get a table while the other gets the drinks/food. It's common sense.

I don't drink any alcohol so any visits to a pub are reduced to the rare occasions when we are traveling and pub is the only place we can grab something to eat. I'm not a recovering alcoholic, don't drink due to health reasons but I can't see where a pub would be a sensible place to be for a child.
In terms of readings newspapers/book or whatever in a coffee shop. Unless I'm in a business of providing space for people to lounge in, as a business owner I'd be looking for a quick turnaround of tables, not accommodating plenty of customers who want to sit somewhere for an hour or two sipping on their espresso and a complimentary glass of water while hogging a table for three. Unless you are someone who brings plenty of other clientele/leaves big tips/comes to my cafe every day, you are depriving my business of other potential customers.

as a business owner this would annoy me too, especially at lunchtimes if I served hot food. I don't know what the solution would be? A 'coffee' section and a food section?!