Eating out dining in, party of more than 6

[Ruminating2020]

I am planning on going to a restaurant for my birthday next week but they don't have any outdoor tables to accommodate our party of 7/8.

Something that a friend suggested was to book separate tables of 4 next to each other. Has anyone tried this? If it doesn't work then I will try my second choice venue that does have outside seating.

You can try it, but if the place realises you are one group they would be within their rights to chuck you out- by which point you've taken two tables from them that they could have given to someone else. Selfish and not worth the risk imo.

We did this recently. It was fine and the venue was happy to do a table of four and table of three next to each other. Enjoy your birthday!

Thank you for your replies.

@valnevavaxx I would explain it when I book on the phone first. So they can refuse me before committing.

Ah my apologies- I've seen people do this in places where they clearly haven't made the venue aware and I think that's selfish.

If the venue are happy to do it then fine!

Some will do it, but they’re not supposed to.

We did it last summer, 2 x tables of 4 next to each other. I've been a rule follower but I think it's ok. They have to set an arbitrary number, if you turned up with 50 in a village hall it might be a bit different!

I thought groups of up to 30 can meet outside now, so seating parties larger than six together, if they have table capacity, shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve eaten and drunk in several pub and restaurant gardens recently and no problem with larger tables.

Ah, I see you want this place inside. Again, all the places I’ve been to have been fine with tables side by side; a couple of times staff have reminded people they mustn’t move between tables, but I don’t know how strictly it’s monitored.

Thanks for further replies. I am aware of not being able to mix bubbles which is okay as one of my friends doesn't get on with another one of them, but I still want them both to come along.

Of course, I don't want to put owners in an awkward position so I would accept them not wanting to take our booking.

We were thinking of going out for a meal with my parents. As there 5 of us and 2 of them that made 7. Though from only 2 households, but after ringing they were not happy to accommodate us. Fair enough really.

You will be able to get 2 tables next to each other, we do it all the time. What's the difference if you know the people on the next table or you don't?

@valnevavaxx

You can try it, but if the place realises you are one group they would be within their rights to chuck you out- by which point you've taken two tables from them that they could have given to someone else. Selfish and not worth the risk imo.

Not true at all. Last year I went out in a group of 12 and we had two groups of six. As long as you stick to your tables and don't swap around and wander about it's fine.

And the s word is the most overused word of the pandemic.

Give it a go. I've done this. They just asked for 2 different names to book the tables under and can't swap seats and move round etc.
No different to be next to a table of 4 other people really.

I’ve been out several times with 2 tables of six. The venue has been very careful to separate the tables and ensure there has been no mixing.

Like many others we've done it as well, we did ask the venue if it was ok first

My place would allow this. The tables have to be 1 meter apart and please don’t swop seats.

Just ask!

Iv just booked for a table of 9 at a restaurant. It’s two house holds