To take up a bigger table than needed in a cafe?

[Egit]

To try to use a bigger table in a cafe?

I know it’s not always possible, such as during busy times, and I would never ‘hog’ a larger table for myself.

But during quiet times… such as right now! I’m in a cafe on my own with 2 dogs and I’ve sat myself at a 4 seater table.

I actually hate 2 seater ones. They are just too small and I get claustrophobic with all the clutter of cutlery, condiments, sides of veg etc.

I like to spread out!

I went to a café on my own earlier for lunch, and took a table of 4. It was empty, and only 2 other tables came in whilst I was there leaving about 5 available.

If it had been busier and people had come in needing the bigger table, I would have happily moved to a smaller table.

Well, I’m back home now. During the whole time I was there, no one needed a bigger table

Costa definitely isn’t one of my favourite places for a coffee but if they’ve banned dogs I’ll happily go there.

You’re issue is with the cafe owner, not the dog owner

Why bother replying to the thread?… it’s all relative

So what's the point of the thread, or are you just bored?

Top marks for mentioning the two dogs though, you know Mumsnet well 😁

If nobody has complained irl, why are you looking for a disagreement about it on here? Why not just enjoy your coffee (or whatever you’re having)?

YABU unreasonable bringing dogs into the cafe.

One good thing about Wetherspoons is that dogs are banned.

I adjust my choice to how busy it is, same as if I'm on the train and it's busy I sit in one seat and squash up but if it's not busy I spread out into the next seat wth my bag and move it if needs be.

I don't find this an issue in real life, everyone seems to understand the etiquette, and if I'd just sat down and a family of four came in and it was the only table for four, I'd let them have it.

On a quiet day in Wetherspoons, sometimes I sit at a table for 6! Occasionally people join it at the other end. All very civilised (and no dogs in Wetherspoons, although I love dogs so it doesn't bother me).

Our local Costa allows dogs, there were 3 of them in there yesterday.

I know. It’s so weird!… I’ve never met any such reverent dog haters ever in really life!

Because I was sitting in my own and pondering.

Yeah but it’s fully off smelly weirdos and drunks with no teeth! My dogs are more hygienic than Wetherspoons carpets, it’d be cruel to take my dog in to one

Maybe bring three dogs next time and sit at the six seater.

I was with you until you said you get “claustrophobic” with the clutter of cutlery, condiments etc. Yes, it can be annoying when you have more stuff in your table than there is really room for - as always happens if you have a family pub lunch - but claustrophobic? Pah!

You need space because you have two dogs with you.

Dogs are not paying customers.

YABU.

(And I walk straight back out of cafes and restaurants if I see any dogs in there, it’s unhygienic and O don’t want to eat my meal surrounded by animals).

I'm not a dog hater. I have 2 dogs of my own. I would let them sit outside of a cafe at a table with me, but never inside.

They haven’t been banned in every Costa. It’s store dependent as they’re very welcome in the two close to me.

if someone sticks their head in, thinks there is nowhere big enough for their group, and so doesn’t come in at all

If I stuck my head in and saw two dogs at one table I'd go somewhere else too.

Dogs are much preferable to some of the patrons of Wetherspoons! I’m not sure why you’d prefer them?

Agree!

If there were several tables of 4 free, fine, if it was the last one, a bit mean, but the dogs, they're ace.

Sadly so, but bloody dogs in cafes just fuck off that derails the question about the table for 4 people.
I get the cluttered up feeling but as long as it's not busy and you aren't too long.
Another thing comes to mind, there probably isn't much room for two dogs to sit under a two person table, is this another reason why you need a four seater?
Cynic in me would say that is the real reason and the 'clutter' is an excuse.

Obligitory plastic rose in a vase as well pointlessly taking up space on the table

I get you OP, I try to use a small table if I can but otherwise I do not like tables that arent fit for purpose in a place where for example, they do 'small plates', so you've got various plates, plus sides, plus drinks, plus serviettes etc on the table.

Any sauces madam - No, Ive got no room!

Well, if you are on your own, you will not have two of everything.

Wouldn't bother me, but I dont use cafes that allow dogs in them.