...to consider these options as a birthday treat?

[Backtobacktoback]

Are department store restaurants worth considering if you are not going to shop there or is it just a bit weird to go just to eat?
I am considering harvey nichols or selfridges (manchester) to take my sister out for her birthday. She doesn't live in the UK so thought it might be something different and girly but having said that I wouldn't go if the food wasn't good.
AIBU?

Harvey nicks restaurant in Manchester is lovely.

I thought you were doing to say Debenhams cafe in which case I'd say no. I think it could be nice if the restaurant there has good reviews.

Are there any TripAdvisor reviews for the restaurants you are thinking of?

Yes there is a main restaurant in SR (Italian) and HN (brasserie) and both have reviews, mostly good; though when reviewers slate a place on trip advisor they go all the way don't they?!

Thanks for the input, I think I pictured people in the restaurant with large white/yellow shopping bags discussing their purchases and thought I might feel displaced iyswim.

Good to know MilkLady02, that's the one I was leaning towards but then read a review about some high stools for the tables near the windows and thought that might be a bit uncomfortable for lunch!

BottleOfJameson: I've been known to have a nice quiet coffee and buttered toast at our local Debenhams, the cafe is so far into the shop, I don't think people know it exists!

I think the rationale behind these restaurants is not "oh, let's give our customers somewhere to eat" but rather "let's have a good restaurant and then people will come to the restaurant and may decide to buy something on their way out". Does that answer the question?

I live in London and used to go to the Harvey nicks bar/restaurant a lot and never when shopping there
Go for it!