Hi yb,

You needn't feel intimidated by having a solo afternoon tea.

By all means bring a book. The best one would be in limp leather covers with gold leaf edging.

((I))

As to the OP - no you won't feel uncomfortable or odd eating tea on your own. Or any meal pretty much anywhere in the UK for that matter.

But please DON'T try to engage strangers in conversation. We really don't like this.

Interesting observations. I have had British women engage me in conversation at table. I was having tea at Browns when I smiled at two British women at the next table who returned the smile and then hesitantly started small talk. I was with a lady friend and we all started talking, it was lovely, although now that I think about it, they did seem to think it was a daring thing to do, speak to strangers at tea. I will always remember them, they both looked like Miss Marple.

yvillanua,

I have had tea at the Dorchester. It was WONDERFUL, so go hungry. The waiters were very friendly and not at all stuffy. They will feed you until you cry uncle. You will not feel weird after the first minute. There is beautiful harp music too.

The people watching there is just something else. First time we ever saw women eating food by slipping it all the way up under their chadors. Weird to see, but they do have to eat I guess!!

Very international. A bit of a scene in a fun way.

Dress up a bit.

Bring a book or journal - you probably won't need it.

The waiters are chatty.

BTW, I was alone in an art museum cafe in Basel a few weeks ago. An older solo woman was at the next table. We did strike up a conversation about the exhibit and then chatted the whole lunch. She was from London enroute to Italy.

The Swiss also say they don't like to "chat" but quite often if you start softly they are thrilled to talk to you and will be a new friend shortly.

gruezi