Do you eat out alone? ???

I would have no compunction about eating out on my own but I don't enjoy eating out. The portions are always too big and Ifeel bloated and uncomfortable after a few bites.

If I was near home I wouldn't see the point, and if I was away I would buy a sandwich and eat it in my room.

A cup of tea and a scone on my own - any time!

Years ago when I had no choice but to eat out alone (or get room service) ... I used to get approached by men also away with work etc because it wasn’t the done thing in those days for women to eat/drink alone. These days it’s totally different and I also like to have a book or magazine handy ... and of course remember at our ages we’re mostly invisible anyway !! ?

I used to eat out alone quite regularly, lunchtime and early evening without any bother, but haven't done so for a number of years , until recently.
I had to stay overnight three times near a university to attend a weekend course; the first time I stayed with a companion; the second time on my own when I ate in the hotel restaurant with a book for company. The meal was protracted with lengthy waits between courses and little attention from the waiters. The third time I ate in the bar, which was far more pleasant as the staff were friendly and chatty, but I ate my meal more quickly and spent the rest of the evening preparing for the course watching Red Nose Day festivities in my room.

I have done, most recently when doing some preliminary house hunting for a dd - more than once in a nice cosy, old fashioned pub. (Usually needed the loo first!). But I always needed something to read at the same time. Would buy a paper or a charity shop book for the purpose.

Also occasionally if doing a prolonged shop, no problem eating in a cafe or dept. store ditto, but I wouldn't eat in a proper restaurant alone in the evening unless I absolutely had to.

Yes at a lunchtime or early evening meal.

Yes I do quite often. The first time I did I took a book. Now I have books on my phone. I would never eat out if I didn't go alone. I have friends who say they couldn't. There is a new vegan restaurant in Ely that I am going to try...looking forward to that.

I don't now and have never enjoyed eating out alone in the evening but used to often at lunch time. I did share a flat with a girl once though who was horrified at the idea. She was one of those people who didn't see the point of getting a passport so not exactly adventureous.

I often go out on my own as no close friends. I'm a bit of a loner even go on holiday by myself you can please yourself and there is always someone to chat to if you want to if not have a book or magazine if you wish to be aline

I am more than happy to eat in a cafe or restaurant on my own. Definitely don't take a book as I also like to people watch.
I enjoy going to museums/galleries and to sit down for a well earned rest with a nice cuppa or a glass of wine. Bliss!

Before I was housebound I was happy to eat out alone. When on package holidays abroad I never ate in the restaurant recommended by the courier. I would find one patronised by the locals. Often had interesting conversations.

Interesting question Urmstongran.
I am happy to have lunch in a cafe or restaurant on my own and probably a nice pub too (now I think about it).
Not so sure about supper in the evening.

When I have been away with work, if on my own, I have invariably had room service and a glass of wine and watched TV or prepared the work for the next day.

Sometimes you can feel more alone when you are eating out with OH than if you were on your own!

I don't understand why reading when alone in a restaurant looks desperate!! Can someone explain this?

I read during meals at home - my companion does not converse, and I don't watch tv - a book combats any boredom or loneliness. I have no problem eating alone anywhere, any time, and certainly not about reading while eating.

When young, reading when alone in public was a problem, as men would often try asking what I was reading, in an attempt to get my attention. Fortunately this is no longer the case!

I don't mind a coffee and cake at a garden centre or a department store cafe but I wouldn't go out on my own in the evening as I would find it unpleasant.

Many years ago I took lunch at a cafe and the waiter was so over attentive it was embarrassing. Thankfully due to the dearth of free chairs a couple of ladies came to sit with me. That felt much better.

Also took lunch at a church after seeing an exhibition there. A lady came and sat with me when she saw that I was alone and I was grateful for her kindness and her company. I hate to eat out alone - late husband and I really enjoyed that sort of thing together so being alone feels particularly horrible for me.

I'm happy to eat out alone, or have coffee at lunchtime and I often do. But for some reason I can't do it in the evening! Recently for the first time ever I went to the cinema and theatre alone and really enjoyed both occasions . It was in the day though.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

It's not a problem to be seen out eating or drinking on your own in this day and age. If you eat out locally you soon get to know other locals who may also be alone and can get to know each other if you do fancy company. Maybe your friend just lacks the confidence to do it's

I do eat alone sometimes, I’m widowed 20 yrs.Its great to watch others, don’t be sorry for yourself treat it as a new hobby! Sometimes better than sharing a meal with someone who’s hard going !

I've taken myself for coffee alone and felt a bit like a spare buttonhole, although I think I would go by myself for a meal depending on the circumstances.

If you look around in eateries, there are often several people who are clearly on their own so there's not really anything to feel awkward about.

Gosh!! Why would anyone feel self conscious just having a meal alone? Doesn't everyone?

No problem with doing that. I have though seen a recent report of a restaurant where an elderly lady has eaten weekly for a couple of years being told as she was on her own other diners in the queue behind her would be given a table before her. Apparently a lone diner taking up a table means others may not want to wait and restaurant looses customers. Watching out for responses in media.

I would probably still dislike going into a bar on my own, but at my age I wouldn't worry about ordering a meal on my own in any place that serves food.

In my twenties and thirties I hated having to do so, as I was scared someone would try to pick me up and I had no idea how to deal with that if it happened. It never did, and now of course it is highly unlikely to! If it did, I now have the experience to deal with it too.

Any good restaurant should be willing to serve a woman on her own.

happy to eat in a coffee shop (or fast food place!) on my own but not a 'proper' restaurant - it's daft but it makes me feel uncomfortable!

I have no problem eating alone at lunchtime,but wouldn’t feel happy doing that in the evening.That’s when I long to still have someone to go out with. The only times I eat out in the evening are when with an organised group ,such as U3A.

I have no problem with eating out alone and will do so in a cafe, restaurant or pub quite happily. However, I did go on holiday, alone, last year and stayed in a Tui Gold hotel - and it was a terrible dining experience. Being alone I was always seated in front of a pillar or some other impediment and there were no opportunities to interact with other diners. The usual travel company I go with has a 'social table' so that diners can choose whether they want company or not.

A really good local initiative is the 'Happy to Share' card. I'm often so busy that the opportunity to dine alone is very welcome, but other times eating alone is simply expedient and I would be happy to be sociable; then I put this card on the table and welcome anyone who would prefer not to eat alone to share a table with me.