Sit separately to DD and her friends

[Fidoandacupoftea]

My DD 12, is having friends for a sleepover and I am taking them out for a pub meal. I would like to sit in a nearby table. I feel really awkward and don't know what to say after the initial niceties. They are nice kids but new friends from senior school. I feel they would love to sit by themselves AIBU

Dd2 went to a birthday sleepover the other week and her friend's mum did this - in a pizza/pasta chain restaurant rather than a pub. The girls were able to be their 12 year old selves more freely and everyone had a great time.

This will only work if you have someone to eat your meal with though

What nonsense.

Are we not allowed to eat in pubs by ourselves any more?

I do it quite a lot when away for work on my own. Didn't realise I wasn't supposed to be there on my own.

OP doesn't intend to stare at the girls so doesn't need a companion to engage with -- can engage with her kindle or tablet etc. Sounds a delightful treat for the girls. My 2nd DM was great at this sort of thing. Her DC from a very young age were expected to introduce their friends from about 5 or 6 and were accustomed to social niceties are grew into very socially confident adults.