| Author |
Message |
Applespider
Joined 26-02-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 12 March, 2007 - 10:04 pm: | |
On Saturday night, my flat was plunged into darkness by yet another of EDF's dodgy cables (this is the 6th time in 12 months!).
Having planned on a quiet night in, I was on my lonesome and had to go out for dinner. But on relatively short notice, I couldn't think of where to go where I'd be comfortable walking in as a single woman on a Saturday night.
So... in preparation for power cut number 7, any suggestions on local places where being a lone diner wouldn't raise eyebrows? |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 07:01 am: | |
Take a book and chew your food slowly. I'm sure that anywhere would be fine. I got over the feeling of weirdness that you get when eating on your own when travelling; if you don't, you miss out on fab food and basically starve!
Otherwise try the plastic seats at a fried chicken outlet... mmm. Not appealing! |
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 07:56 am: | |
I agree with Laura- taking a book is a good thing although don't whip it out until you're settled at a table as some restaurant staff think its a cue for a long stay and low spend and will start telling you the place is full. Its no longer rare to see women on their own in restaurants but I admit there is something 'difficult' about Saturday nights. I think the problem is less of being a single woman but of a single person,who takes up a table meant for two, so they get less revenue.
I would have thought both the Honor Oak and the Dartmouth Arms would be good bets. If 'local' extends to East Dulwich, you might feel more comfortable there as there is a lot of foot traffic. good turnover, and loads of places to eat. Barcelona on Lordship Lane was always a good bet for me also the Curry Cabin. |
Domc
Joined 17-03-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 08:11 am: | |
See plenty of people sat on their own in Tapastry so guess that works. |
Applespider
Joined 26-02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 09:15 am: | |
I did take a book :)
And I wandered down to East Dulwich to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen since I figured it was so 'casual' that it would be easy to 'blend' in.
I had thought about the Dartmouth Arms but lately when I've been, it's been very busy so that 'single person taking up table' syndrome might have applied. And I wasn't in the mood for tapas - Barcelona is a regular favourite usually.
Good ideas though - it was more the Saturday night and they're busy anyhow aspect of it that pulled me up short this time. Most other times I'm quite happy to eat alone since as Laura says, you miss out otherwise! |
Nasaroc
Joined 03-06-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 09:37 am: | |
The Dolphin in Sydenham Road would be good too - same owners as the Dartmouth Arms, but a more relaxed, pub-type space for eating, plus a scattering of cosy armchairs with little tables where you could happily dine alone! |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 10:11 am: | |
Last time I was in a similar situation I hid in the Capitol for an hour or two with a pint and a curry. It's only about the third time I've been in but it is so large you don't feel conspicuous and there is always a good chance you will be the least strange person in there anyway. |
Loneranger
Joined 29-10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 - 10:34 am: | |
Not in SE23 but Life Cafe (accent over the e) in Ladywell provides books to read while you eat. |
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 14 March, 2007 - 01:16 pm: | |
The excellent Yune restaurant on Dartmouth Road (see separate thread) is frequently not as full as it deserves to be on a Saturday night. The staff are very friendly and the food good so I imagine you could read peacefully and undisturbed there without being interrupted. Alternatively they could supply you with a take-away that you could consume to the light of some candles from the pound shop further up the road. |
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 14 March, 2007 - 01:27 pm: | |
Baggydave just sits down and talks to people whether they want to or not. So if you are on your own and a strange guy talks to you it will be me. Otherwise go to the Capitol as they 'out strange' me there. |
Les
Joined 28-01-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 14 March, 2007 - 06:50 pm: | |
I had a very chilled afternoon in the Dartmouth Arms with a pint, steak sandwich, and papers. Was spot on. |
