AIBU to not split the bill?

[NYC23]

I went out for lunch with some friends, 6 of us, to a nice place in Chelsea, and we ordered off the menu (not a set menu).
The other girls had starters and I did not. I was also driving so drank only tap water. 4 of the girls had cocktails, at £14 a glass and wine or prosecco...
I only had my main and then obviously would pay some money for a tip.
The bill came and someone said "shall we split it 6 ways - it's easier" I had a quick look at the bill and mine came to £18, and everyone else's was over £50...
I said that in different circumstances I would usually be happy to split if we had all had a similar amount but I wasn't happy to split it on this occasion...
I felt like I was being judged and one of them was really snappy with me about it.
AIBU to not just agree to split the bill? I thought I was ok to say no but now I'm second guessing myself :/

[Tink06]

Have been in a similar situation on a hen do n really annoyed the hen. I was heavily pregnant and suffering so just had a main n tap water. Glad I stuck to my guns, despite being tutted at and having the bill snatched back. Yanbu at all.

[Muskateersmummy]

I'm generally a bill splitter. I tend to be a relatively small eater and don't really drink so it's certainly not a case of wanting my meal subsidised. It's just the way it's always been done in my family and friendship groups. If it's just a couple of friends we sometimes do a "this ones one me, you get the next " kind of thing.

But with a large disparity like this there is no way I would expect the OP to split! I would have taken the cost of her main off the bill and split the rest.

[BerylStreep]

YANBU. It's only ok to split the bill equally if everyone has had more or less the same amount.

In your case I think it would have been fine to put in £20 or £25 and say that should cover the meal and the tip.

If we have been out for a meal and there are non-drinkers we would normally split the food equally, then split the drinks bill between the drinkers, although I would be mindful if someone has only had 1 drink and everyone else has had loads. I would also never order £54 lobster in a group setting if everyone else is having £18 pasta dishes unless I was prepared to stump up extra for it.

Your 'friend' doesn't sound very nice.