Would go out on your own on a Saturday evening?

[CVVFan]

I’m completely on my own on Saturday and would like to go out for a cocktail, but I don’t know how odd it would look to sit at a bar/restaurant sipping cocktails by myself.

I could ask the two friends I have and see if they’re free but I at the same time, I don’t mind being on my own, it’s more if the restaurant/bar would have a problem because I’m taking a table just for one.

As someone who has worked in hospitality for years - do it !
I can guarantee nobody would even bat an eye lid . I’ve never though Oo there on there own at all . And a bar is a social setting , you’ll end up chatting to someone else xx

Why wouldn’t I? I don’t plan to get mega wasted or anything!

If I were abroad I would, rather than sit in a hotel room on my own. Not in my home town though.

It depends. I’ve gone into restaurants on my own and received vastly different service. One seated me but seemed to be annoyed I was taking up a table where they could have seated 2. Had to get their attention to order anything. Another seated me at a lovely window table and couldn’t have been more attentive

Is there a theatre or music venue where you live? I often attend performances on my own and will have a drink in the bar beforehand. Some venues, like the Royal Opera House, are accessible to non-ticket holders.

Yes I often do this if I'm away from work in a new city or one I've not been to much. Did it up in Newcastle only the other week, dinner and then a couple of drinks. Same in Bristol a few months ago. Took a book but tbh spent a lot of it on my phone catching up on the news and whatsapps etc. It's lovely! Much better than sitting in a hotel on your own while a potentially great evening passes you by outside.

Why wouldn't she?! 🤣🙄

Just because im a woman its not going to stop me from going out on my own.
I have done it still do and will always do it.
Not just in the uk either i go away alot and still go out alone.

It might be just me, but I can’t imagine what would be enjoyable about going out alone for a cocktail. For one thing, you’ll look like you’re trying to pick up someone or that you’ve been stood up.

I’d feel self-conscious, bored and a bit weird.

I remember a MN post a while back about a woman being stalked/harassed by a man at a swanky London cocktail bar when she was on her own.

Different atmosphere to being at home; usually nicer cocktails unless you have a home bar with all the fluff; nice bit of people watching and overhearing conversations; a chat with the bar staff. It’s never occurred to me to assume that somebody in a bar must automatically want a date or have been stood up tbh (and if the other non-solo clientele are watching me that closely rather than enjoying their time out with their friends, at least I can rest assured I’m having a better time out than they are!)

If I saw someone sat alone with a drink reading a book or simply minding their own business, it wouldn't occur to me that they were "trying to pick someone up or had been stood up". Some people are just happy in their own company.

Oh shit I didn't realise that had happened!! I will never venture out again

(Sorry for the sarcasm but honestly. A bar is a pretty safe place to be! Lots of staff, other people. Sometimes security!)

You should try it! I think it's obvious when someone is trying to pick someone up (making flirty eye contact with nearby men / women, dressed to 9s, etc) or when they've been stood up (looking from the door to their phone, maybe crying into a martini). This is quite a different vibe compared to happily reading or faffing on phone while enjoying a nice drink. No need to feel self conscious, it's nice to exist in the word, even on your own. Also noone really cares what anyone else is doing.

@CVVFan "Why wouldn’t I? I don’t plan to get mega wasted or anything!"

@Vvbs How soon people forget? 🤔

@FrodoBiggins isn't the getting home, without being hassled, more concerning?

some of these comments are wild !

woman should support women . If the OP wants to go out and enjoy the atmosphere of being in a social environment , then she should be able to without judgement .

Some of the attitudes in these comments are exactly why men behave the way they do . Some people should educate themselves on rape myths and culture . Going out for a drink alone , regardless of where they are , what they’re wearing is a woman’s right ! She woukd not be inviting her self for attack , harassment etc …

No? She can get an uber if she's scared of public transport. Which would itself be a bit silly if she's in a big city, not drunk, and not staying out super late.

I work away and pop into a bar, pub or restaurant most evenings after work, before I head back to the hotel. Never had any trouble, I either take a book or just people watch.

Yes I have done & would again. I dropped my dd & her friend at a show so while they were in there I sat in the local Wetherspoons & had a lovely glass of wine & read my book. Nobody batted an eyelid. I probably wouldn't notice if a woman was on her own but if I did I'd think good on her!

Also sorry @beetr00 but I really laughed at "how soon people forget" - referring to a random poster who was made to feel uncomfortable a few months ago in London.
This sort of fear of life is unhealthy.

This is rubbish, it’s not the 1950s anymore! I’m assuming OP would be enjoying her cocktail or she wouldn’t want to go.

I would, but I'd pick a hotel or theatre bar or somewhere like that rather than a busy city centre pub.

I often while away a spare hour with a glass of wine and my book.

I couldn't care less what other people think and I can assure you that most other people definitely don't think like that anyway

I would and have, but to my local pub where I am a regular so other people I know to talk to.

Yes and most men who are out at night are not interested in pestering women. And if they do, tell them to piss off & alert the staff