I've seen several postings here where people talked about restaurants that had a policy of table sharing. Unfortunately I didn't make a note of them. I'll be in London for several days on my own, staying not far from Covent Garden. I'd enjoy sharing a table occasionally much more than eating alone every meal. Any suggestions?

Wagamama, and I believe Belgo have refectory-style tables. That doesn't necessarily mean that locals eating there will expect to become best chums with whoever's sitting nearby, though.

I've eaten at both the above mentioned places dozens of times, and also Wagamama's more upscale sister, Busaba Eathai, which also has communal tables. But other than an occasional nod from a neighbor or a possible "that looks good, what is that you ordered?", rarely do people seem to converse with each other. Locals really seem to value their privacy there, which seems odd to me based on how chatty most are with strangers in pubs.
And by the way, at Wagamama or Belgo, unless they are jam packed, they are more likely to seat you with space between you and the next party.

Several branches of Masala Zone, a fairly mediocre "Indian" chain (more like a concession in the food court of a trendy Bombay shopping mall than a normal restaurant in Britain or elsewhere in India) have some bench seating, where individual diners are put at ledge-like shelves around the side of the room. If being at a table by yourself makes you feel conspicuous, you won't here, though personally I hate the arrangement.

The wonderful, if basic, Wong Kei in Wardour Street routinely expects you to share tables. Some eaters from countries with intrusive and impertinent waiters find the Wong Kei's prompt, unfussy and fawn-free service difficult to cope with, though.

As in all London's restaurants, sharing a table does NOT constitute an introduction to fellow-eaters, and you'll be assumed to want to keep your privacy just like them.

You never know. There was a post on this site from a poster who had dinner at Belgo on her own, and she met the actor Brendan Fraser.

You might do better to choose a pub or bar and make it your "regular" for the duration of your stay. Some of them serve food in the evenings, such as Lowlander on Drury Lane:

http://www.lowlander.com

or Coal Hole on the Strand.

Try the Yo Sushi! restaurants - several locations all around London.

Be very careful at Yo Sushi.

The woman next to me at one actually struck up a conversation a week or two ago.

Most unEnglish. Probably some Commie subversive.

"Locals really seem to value their privacy there, which seems odd to me based on how chatty most are with strangers in pubs."

That's probably the booze talking.

That was me who ended up sitting across the table from Brendan Fraser. That was back in Sept 07. I was dining alone and the restaurant was full. The mussels and fries were excellent.

Forgot to say, it was Belgo Centraal where I dined.

i've been to wong kei twice. Both times it's ended with knuckles.

if I want crappy food from a rude person I'll stay at home and get the bint to cook.

FlannerUK, interesting...I didn't realize I was talking to a Commie when I was at Yo Sushi's counter trying to eat dinner and the London businessman next to me starting trying to chat me up. He didn't smell like a Commie (and I can usually smell them coming a mile away).

I actually wanted to say "Could you shut the hell up because I just want to be left alone so I can eat my dinner!", but I thought I might be perceived as a rude American.

Travelingtish is looking for places where people might keep her company so this might be a good choice. Next time I want Yo sushi, I'll be sure to bring a pair of dark sunglasses and a book (unless the Commie is really good looking).

Hard Rock Cafe? Residents have 'their local'. Tourist may or may not be accepted. Inquire of your housing person.