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.

I have never seen a cafe that says to only take a table after having food. So by your judgement maybe it’s you who needs a trip to Specsavers ?

there is literally no logic to having a whole family stood in a queue where they may or may not got a table after.

Nope. I live in one of the UK's major cities and tourist destinations. The signs are take a table when you have bought food.

Have you ever considered you might just be very selfish and self-centred?

I regularly go to places on my own. I take a look around first and use my judgement on whether I am likely to find a table after I have bought my food and drink. If there are only a couple of tables available and people ahead of me, I think it is my bad luck that day and don’t go in.

Where is this weird place you live in so we can avoid it? It’s certainly not London or Brighton…

Same here. I really don't understand all the whining about "what are people on their own supposed to do"?

All you coat-leavers and bag-leavers, are you not constantly having your stuff nicked? Where I live, an unattended coat wouldn't last long, never mind a bag.

I always do food first, then table. Never had to wait more than a minute. Not sure what you are all getting so worked up about tbh.

Edinburgh and if you haven't seen this in London, we'll I suppose you've demonstrated that you think it just doesn't apply to you.

Most places I’ve been to in London don’t have any signs TBF.

There were definitely signs in Edinburgh when I was there a couple of years ago in some places saying to get a table first, though. So I think it’s very establishment-specific

Are you just really cross that you spend a good chunk of your life standing about with a rapidly cooling coffee and a numbered spoon, muttering because other people have the sense to find somewhere to sit before parting with money over a food order?

So how do lone diners do this? Leave their belongings at an unguarded table?

The conviction that there is some sort of rule that you must order and then lurk like a malevolent presence with a tray waiting for a table, because it’s apparently the right thing to do is so funny.

No cafe in my city expects any such thing, most say say ‘find a table then order’. BECAUSE THEY WANT A TABLE NUMBER TO BRING YOUR FOOD TO.

😂😂😂 These threads are so funny.

I would always get a table first. Especially with kids. YANBU

Cafes should make it clear. Many do - they say ‘Find a table and then order’ - but many don’t. Certainly none that I’ve ever seen say ‘Don’t get a table until you’ve bought food’ 😂

What I can never understand on these threads is why people think that everyone queuing and then turning to find a table will solve the problem? There’s no guarantee there’ll be enough tables even if everyone doggedly goes through this process!

However, if everyone does the other thing - get table then order - there definitely will be enough tables! Magic!

People on their own can surely put down a jacket or similar to mark that the table is taken? It’s not rocket science.

But cafes are generally chaotic in this country. It’s all a bit of a scramble. I love a cafe with a clear policy. Or - gasp - table service!

It's not Leeds either

Or York. I was there last week and got a table first although tbf you could "order at table" using an app which may be the way to solve this issue that crops up constantly.

Nope. They made the choice not to secure a table before ordering food.

What do the do-gooders, who do not secure a table before ordering, do when the staff ask for their table number to bring their food over?

This debate comes up regularly on here. I am always flabbergasted that people queue, but food and hope for a table. Madness. I get a table, then order.

@sexyandsmart

I have posted a reply to this a few posts above, but will repeat anyway. If I am on my own, I firstly am mindful of the possible table situation and will aim to go for lunch or whatever a bit earlier or later than peak times. I then use my eyes and look around the cafe first and use my judgement to determine whether I am likely to get a table once I have purchased food. If I decide it is a risk, then I don’t go in. I have fortunately never been in a situation where it was absolutely essential that I go to a cafe for a coffee or cake or even lunch.

When I am with somebody, then one person gets the table whilst the other queues to place the order. This seems far more sensible to me than ordering and then standing around like a lemon because there are no tables.

Table first then food. Otherwise you could end up with no where to sit with your food.
Anyone mentally reserving a table on basis of they got their food first should be prepared to stand!

I put my coat on the back of the chair, maybe a book on the table and put my bag over my shoulder to take with me.

But what happens if I want a second coffee? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

Am I permitted to hog my table with my belongings or must I vacate the table, queue again, and find a new table to enjoy my second coffee? ☕️

@Parisiennes 'it's nothing to do with Yorkshire. It's bad manners'

Erm you might think it's bad manners - I don't!

Obviously don't exist then if you've never seen one!