Hello. My wife and I will be driving around England, Scotland, and Wales in September, ending with six nights in London. We will be going to Bath, Conwy, Oban, Fort Augustus, Edinburgh, York, and London, and places in between. We’ve seen a lot of things suggesting that you get advance reservations for dinners and even lunches at restaurants, even including pubs. Will we have a hard time finding something to eat if we don’t have a reservation in advance? We have made reservations for some dinners so far, but we’re hoping not to have to make a reservation for every single lunch and dinner around Great Britain since we’d prefer to wing it to the extent possible. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
CA, USA
1101 posts
We've never had trouble being seated for lunch without reservations although of course I can't promise your experience will be the same. Last month in York at one restaurant recommended in the RS guide they were only seating people with reservations for dinner; we made ours that morning as we walked by, If you're eating at Michelin-starred places or those in high demand you might want to make reservations farther in advance.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I never make reservations and always find something suitable. If you want a particular place, reserve it in advance.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
The only problems we’ve had were because the restaurants closed before we got there or closed the day we were there, and had nothing to do with reservations.
Posted by
Washington DC
27110 posts
Oban might be difficult without a reservation, and if you want to be a bit selective in Edinburgh or York, I'd book for dinner. Those are comments are based on a limited number of nights in each of those places in July or early August 2019.
Posted by
Freedonia
14994 posts
This summer I'm hearing that in parts of western Scotland one needs reservations for dinner. However, by September, that may not be necessary.
Worst comes to worst, make them that morning or the day before if there is somewhere in particular you wish to try.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks for all the responses everyone. We do have a reservation for what looks like a very nice place on the pier in Oban and a restaurant in York. We will probably make a few more as we get closer, but we’re relieved to hear that people generally don’t seem to be having a problem finding a place to eat without a reservation. Thanks!
Posted by
TX, USA
4076 posts
Plenty of options in city center York this week.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
If worst came to worst, I’d head to Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury, etc., and buy things for dinner. Then go find a place and have a picnic.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
jaimeelsabio: Yep! I’m sure we’ll be doing plenty of that as well. Sometimes it’s hard to beat a baguette, some salami, and cheese.
Posted by
Washington DC
27110 posts
Umm...the weather may not always cooperate, especially in the west (Oban).
I don't think ordinary places book up far in advance, so it might be fine to book the night before or during the lunch period for dinner the same night.