How to Make the Most of an Outside Table Booking
As the weather starts to hot up, it would be a shame to eat our meals, when out and about, indoors when we have glorious sunshine to enjoy. I know that people might be a bit reserved about booking outdoor tables because you never know what the weather might do and you also have to deal with the dreaded insects - gotta hate wasps, right?! So how can you make the most of your outdoor table booking if you aren't or weren't so sure about booking one in the first place? Let me tell you :)
Make sure you book your outdoor table in advance
This might be problematic as, like I've said, you can't be 100% sure what the weather is doing. But there are some weather apps that can forecast up to two weeks in advance, meaning you'll have some ideas as to what the weather will be doing on the day you've chosen. Make sure you book an outdoor table at your favourite place to avoid disappointment, like with any restaurant booking.
Structure the day the booking is for
This might seem silly, but planning out the day around your outside table booking will ensure that you aren't late. Usually, if someone shows up late to a table booking, they give the table away so make sure this doesn't happen if you have your heart set on eating your meal or having a few drinks outside in the sunshine. Just make the whole process easier for you and plan your day accordingly.
Utilise the 'special request' box upon booking
If you've booked your table online, then there'll be a special request box for you type in. Some bars and restaurants might have different outdoor seating areas. Perhaps some are smoking and others non-smoking. Some areas might be themed whereas others might not.
Some outdoor seating areas might come with heat lamps and parasols, whereas some might not. If you wish to be seated near a heat lamp or want to utilise a parasol or wish to sit in an area of non-smokers, then make sure you make this absolutely clear when you make your booking.
In this day and age, be prepared to pay a deposit
Where this might not be necessary if you're booking a table for two or three people, any more than that might require you to pay a small deposit or to give over some card details so they can charge you if you don't turn up. Where this might put people off making a booking, it's important that you understand an establishment's reasons for doing this.
Times are hard, particularly for independent, small or start-up businesses as we come out of the pandemic, so they can't afford to have a table of five or six people not turn up as parties of this size can mean a much-needed cash injection for them. If you want to cancel your booking, then make sure you give them plenty of notice so they can free-up that table for other guests.
Screenshot your confirmation details & emails
If you're booking your table electronically, then make sure you have proof that a table has been booked in case there's a problem with the system. If this does happen, it's unlikely to be the fault of the bar or restaurant - it's simply a system failure.
If you turn up and they have no record of your booking, kindly request if they can squeeze you in somewhere and, if not, accept that you'll have to go elsewhere for now. Usually, restaurants and bars are very good at accommodating for those who have experienced problems, so patience and understanding is key in this situation.
Have your ID at the ready
Depending on the time of day or the establishment you've booked for, you might be asked for identification in order to prove your age. You'll have to be at least 18 years old to enter most bars and clubs, so make sure you have your ID at the ready to help make the process as smooth and as stress-free as possible. This also requires you to remember to bring your ID in the first place.
Read the menu online & decide what it is you want before you get there
This helps to save time, especially if your table booking is timed. You should be able to find an electronic version of their menu online, including a drinks menu, so you can decide what it is you want to eat and drink before you've even set foot on their premises.
This way, when the waiter or waitress comes over and asks you if you're ready to order, you can ask for both drinks and food at the same time. Not only does this make things convenient for you, it also makes things all the more straightforward for your waiter or waitress.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post? Let me know in the comments how you plan to make the most of your outdoor table booking this summer and I'll see you all again soon with a brand new blog post :)
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