Was it unreasonable to take the table

[user17382]

Out with Dm today and my young DC's. There is a particular cafe that we really like and hadn't visited for a while. Went in and there were not tables so we said we would do some more shopping and then come back to see if any were free. Went back about 30 mins later and we see a table of 4. So we went straight to it and sat down/took coats off etc and went up to order.

At this point we realised a couple at the counter were complaining about us to the waitress. Apparently they had been about to sit at our table and as it was the last one available in there they now had nowhere to sit. Staff were very good and moved things around to get them some chairs but they spent the whole time in there tutting and giving us dirty looks.

My logic is that when going in to somewhere busy we always find a table first and then order. If we waited in line with the kids and then went to find a table and couldn't get one we would be stuck as the kids are too young to take the food or drink as takeout. But then I did feel really uncomfortable and that maybe we did something wrong.

There will always be arguments for and against this. I run a coffee shop, when it’s busy, I end up getting tables and reserving them for people joining the queue to avoid any confrontation!

I'm pretty sure YABU here, but in an effort to get more info, what type of cafe was it? A quick service/fast food type where you order food first then go sit down? A sit-down type cafe where you wait for the server to seat you first?

I wouldn't take a table away from someone who'd already paid and had nowhere to eat their food. YABU.

Food first then table.
Exceptions, elderly or pregnant.

She didn't take a table, she sat down at a completely empty table and didn't mind read other people's intentions?

I vote table first then food. I'm not going to order food if there isn't a table, so the other way round seems a bit daft to me.

If its the last table and there are people buying food it's fairly obvious what their intentions were.

Maybe they were part of a party at another table.

I try not to reserve tables because there's always a chance that someone ahead of me in the queue will ask me to move my stuff, which is fair enough. I know that some cafés expect you to find a table before being served though, so you have to try to work it out before you make your move.

We need more waitress service cafés!

How do you think people on their own manage?

The cafe was able to rearrange things so you could all sit down but if they hadn’t been able to, then I think you should have given them the table.

This, really. If you are standing with a tray of food which you’ve paid for, and someone who hasn’t yet ordered is hogging a table, what are you meant to do? I am often in this position on my own, so I can’t bagsy a table before ordering as there is only one of me. If it’s busy, don’t take a table you can’t use yet from someone who has already paid.

Table first and then food. Why on earth would someone order food without knowing they can sit?!
I wouldn't say you're unreasonable at all!

Always get a table first, then some of your group can order while the others sit and wait. Pointless for all of you to join the queue!

I don't think people should take up entire tables when they haven't even ordered yet. If it's not table service, you need to order first.

This is one of those that always divides people. It’s why it’s helpful if the venue has clear “please find a table before ordering” style signs to make it clear.

personally I don’t go somewhere I can’t get a table before ordering so I know I have a table.

We had to eat standing up today at a cafe due to people taking tables before they ordered.
At a order at counter then take your food type of place.
I always think if it is an order and wait type place that gives you a table number at the counter or gives you your food at the counter you queue and order first.
If it is tables with fixed numbers then you find a seat first.

How do you give your table number whilst ordering if you don't have somewhere to sit 🤔

That only works if you have a large group of people. What are single people supposed to do?

Who said anything about giving a table number?

I think it's the norm for people to sit at a table while the other orders. We did exactly that yesterday at a museum café. You weren't to know if the couple were going to get their coffee to go - one if them should have sat at the table. At pubs for example they want a table number, so you have to get the table first.
What I do hate is those who order a coffee then sit for two hours working on their laptop, often taking up a bigger table (I now have no problem asking if I can share the table), or people who finish and then sit for ages while there's a queue waiting.

I find a seat, put my coat on it or something to indicate the table is occupied and then order my food. Then go back to my seat, knowing I have one

Im often by myself in cafes and tend to leave my coat and gloves (and anything that I hope isn’t worth nicking) to reserve the table.

It doesn’t always work though- one CF bundled my stuff up, sat her kids down and and handed my stuff to the staff as I was placing my order! She was most put out when I then told her it was my table and she’d have to find somewhere else.

If I was with my children I would sit them down at the table and then go up and order the food etc.

Much easier than all of us standing at the counter blocking the way.

Put your jacket on the back of a chair?

The last cafe I went to, you had to give your table number. I prefer this, or signs up, as then it's clear what the process is.

How rude, did she think someone had got undressed and left? 😂