To eat alone in a high end restaurant in London on Saturday night?

[mayfairtroubles]

Just that really. Friend cancelled because of a family emergency, was really looking forward to it after separating from ex DH in November. It's a high end restaurant in London Mayfair, feel a bit silly all dressed up sitting alone on a Saturday night. Don't mind eating lunch alone, but don't know about eating alone in a busy restaurant on a Saturday night it's next week btw

I used to do this a lot (ex-husband is a chef so was always working). Great food; people-watching; reading a book - I really loved it. Actually, I may leave my sons (20 & 22) to fend for themselves once every few months & start doing it again.

Oh my god do it! Talk on here if you need something to do, tell me what you've chosen to eat.absolutely no reason why not to.

Sounds like a lovely evening to me. As long as you genuinely enjoy time alone go for it.

sarah beat me to the restaurant critic comment!

I really don't get why people women especially have a problem with being out in public alone. God, just go and enjoy yourself! I do it all the time. In London nobody will bat an eyelid, seriously.

I have met some really interesting people when out alone. I would go, take my kindle, people watch and relax.................

I would! Have fun and enjoy your food.

Do it.

I've spent a lot of time travelling to London and have been to a lot of nice places on my own. Better than sitting in a hotel room.

Like OhNoMyCheds says. The waiters will soon pick up if you want some extra chat during the meal or want to be left alone with your iPad

People watching in Mayfair restaurants is quite an entertainment.
This combined with good choice of drinks and nice food and looking enigmatic will be fun.

I used to do this when travelling for work (normally on a Sunday though). I’d take a book and maybe some work things to look through before whatever it was I had on the next day. Nobody knew me, I would never see any of them again and it was a really relaxing thing to do. Maybe take a notebook and pen and pretend to be Grace Dent or Marina O’Loughlin.

I like eating alone in restaurants but ask for a table that isn't in the middle of everything. Take a book, enjoy.

Do it. It’s the best.

I used to take a notebook & make random scribbles between courses & I think the service ramped up a bit!

Also avoids any awkwardness with difference in expenditure. You can order the wine that you want without being worried about whether it costs too much or they’d rather have something that you think too expensive. And cheese AND dessert? Hell, yes!

I go out for dinner on my own, have just come back from a solo dinner at a nice restaurant as it happens. I do have a dh but he doesn't care for eating out a lot. Do it push yourself out a little take a book/kindle/tablet if you're nervous and loose yourself in reading, you will quickly forget.

I have done this! in mayfair, I had a few couples glance in my direction, but phones are not rude if you have no company ;) and you can always just glance at your phone/a book to avoid looking around.

Do it, feel liberated, most people will probably think you are a successful business woman.

God no. I don’t mind doing it on my own but only abroad. Fancy London restaurant is a bit odd. Who wastes that sort of money?
I also aware I feel a bit sorry for anyone on their own and always invite them over if I can. Do it’s complete bullshit people don’t notice you.

I've eaten in a Michelin star restaurant alone. The staff didn't bat an eyelid, in fact they were lovely. Go for it

You would ask a lone stranger to join your table in a fancy London restaurant? It’s not the OP who’s the weirdo here.

It’s London! We don’t make eye contact with strangers.

I used to work for an airline and was forever in glamorous locations on my tod. Do it!

Yes, go for it!
If you feel awkward talk is through the whole experience, you won't be alone with all Us thousands here, ha!

@Leflic that's a little unkind.
You may notice lone diners but that's you. D you invite lone diners to join you when abroad?

London is abroad for some people. Surely they can dine alone? And who's to say to that the casual observer the OP hasn't traveled down/over for work and is enjoying a meal whilst away?

FWIW OP, I say do it. Enjoy the experience, let people notice if they do and let them wonder. If anyone invites you to join them graciously decline. Enjoy the meal and your evening :-)

Sounds like a perfect night out! I'd do it without a second thought

Do it, do it!

I'd love to. Don't take a book. Enjoy your lovely food and wine and people-watch. if you don't go, what will you be doing instead ? Dinner-for-one in front of the TV?