Victoria & Albert Solo?

[AnnB]

Has anyone gone to V&A solo? I'm thinking of making a reservation, but wonder if sitting alone through the many course meal is a bit much.

[Cheshire Figment]

I have never done V&A solo. I have on occasion gone to restaurants where the meal ran about 1.5 hours but not 2.5.

When I go to eat by myself I will always bring soemthing to read. However at V&A the lighting level, while not really dim, is IMHO not really conducive to reading. However, I would expect you would receive the same level of service as anyone else.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I've wondered about this as well. No one in my family is at the point to appreciate the experience, so if I were to go it would be alone. I typically read when dining solo, but it somehow seems rude (IMHO only!) to read there. It would be great to hear how a solo diner dealt with it.

[Laurabearz]

I have a friend who did the Chef's Table solo there and had a grand time... so that is a (more expensive) option for you.

I have eatten there once with my girlfriend and it was a lovely meal, but loooong. Thinking back to that experience, I would not have enjoyed as much alone. But I could see doing the Chef's table alone, since you would be seated with other people. V&A's food needs to be talked about while your eatting it.... :rotfl2:

[AnnB]

The Chef's Table sounds like a great idea. I hadn't realized that they put different parties together for that. Of course, it does bump up the cost, but it could wind up a great experience as a solo. It's great to engage in dinner conversation during a solo trip (I travel a lot for business, and often wind up on my own for many meals, and I always enjoy the occasional conversation that happens with fellow diners).

I always feel more conspicuous sitting at a table and reading--not that I think anything is wrong with doing it. So, I usually just sit, think, and often egregiously eavesdrop on fellow diners. I know, it's a bad habit. But, there's little else to do...

[Cheshire Figment]

But I could see doing the Chef's table alone, since you would be seated with other people.
However, unless they have changed the rules there is only one Chef's Table reservation per day, no matter what the size of the party. You would not be with other guests, but would at least have the ability to have quick discussions with some of the staff.

[Laurabearz]

However, unless they have changed the rules there is only one Chef's Table reservation per day, no matter what the size of the party. You would not be with other guests, but would at least have the ability to have quick discussions with some of the staff.

I did not know that.... sorry for the misinformation, sounded like a great idea though eh??? Can you reserve one like an IllumiNations cruise, and see is any DISers would like to join you, then adjust the details at a later date??

[AnnB]

I did not know that.... sorry for the misinformation, sounded like a great idea though eh??? Can you reserve one like an IllumiNations cruise, and see is any DISers would like to join you, then adjust the details at a later date??

I just found out that it looks like a friend will be joining me on my trips this year, solving my V&A dilemma, however, I'm thinking that after we get the chef's table reservation (assuming we do get it), I'll see if I can open the table up on this board to any other solo travelers. Make an event out of it if there's interest.

[BriarRosie]

Arg! I feel rotten about not getting back to you after your trip! I enjoyed
your restaurant reviews!

That being said, I usually have no problem dining solo anywhere.

Anywhere except Victoria and Albert's. That's the only restaurant I'd
definitely need a dining companion to enjoy it.

[BriarRosie]

I just found out that it looks like a friend will be joining me on my trips this year, solving my V&A dilemma, however, I'm thinking that after we get the chef's table reservation (assuming we do get it), I'll see if I can open the table up on this board to any other solo travelers. Make an event out of it if there's interest.

Oh I'm glad you've solved your problem. :) Chef's Table is wonderful (if
you can get it.) I haven't done the main dining room, but I'm sure it's
almost as good as Chef's Table. :)