To think that 1 hr 30 min restaurant slots are pants

[Cecillie]

And seem to be much more common post Covid, despite places being at full capacity.
Booked two places in last few days, one for next week, dinner with a friend and one first week in December for pre Xmas meet up with friends.
We want to have a three course meal and drinks and a good chat
In both cases the booking confirmation has come through with my 1 hr 30 time slot booked.
Previously, the only place I knew locally that did that was Jamie’s and I avoided it for that reason.
Will call the restaurant and ask if it’s enforced, and if so give Money to the local pub instead
I’m not going out to “eat” per se, could save money and do that at home.

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

iOS this happening since restaurants opened again when restrictions were lifted?

Or has it been like this for years?

Some places have been doing this for years - especially if they're popular and in London. For many others it's a pandemic thing now they're able to open.

Called restaurant for bigger booking , zizzi, and they said that is the standard but she has noted on our reservation that we require a longer slot and they won’t rebook table for 8.30.

Am really appalled by those restaurants denying pudding etc as time is up, just so bad

I went to a restaurant lately with this policy and they were so slow with bringing the food out we couldn't get desert. I was so annoyed especially because it wasn't out fault

@Cecillie

No we obviously want to eat, I was meaning it is supposed to be a social thing not just shovel down the food and go.

I hate this too. I love long leisurely meals out especially around Christmas. £££££ spent on food, plenty of drinks, several courses. I avoid anywhere with time-slots.

Vote with your feet. Don't accept it.

We had this recently, we went to a popular local restaurant with a good reputation, we were ok with it because we only planned on 2 courses before going on to an event. Drinks took ages which was a bad sign, over 40 minutes to bring out starters that looked ropey, we paid for the drinks and walked.

Obviously others will have different experiences but I won't accept a 1 hour 30 booking again. Even with reasonable service times it's not civilized.

My problem with the right time slot is speed of service. It's hardly unusual to be waiting half an hour for food for a group, and when you factor in several courses that leaves no time to actually eat it all.