Any tips to get patio seating at Rose & Crown?

[CJ]

We want to sit outside and watch Illuminations from the Rose & Crown patio....I know, every else does too!!

Does anyone have any tips as to the best time to book an adr to make this likely? Can you request an outside table on the phone while booking, or do you have to wait until you arrive (I'm thinking the second is probably true)??

 

[liquid]

Well.....we have done it three times. Each time our ADR was around the same time - 7:20 last time, 7:30 the time before and probably 7:20 the first time. However, I do realize that a lot of it was luck - or pixie dust - as there was no guarantee. Well, one trip was an anniversary trip so maybe the buttons helped - hard to say! And I did request a patio table - politely!! - when we checked in at the podium but each time they told me that they could not guarantee it and I always smiled and told them that I understood....

Best of luck to you - it really is a wonderful experience!

 

[Terk-1]

They will not take requests over the phone, just in person and there is no guarantee, even if you ask nicely when you check in. You can try & make an ADR for an hour to an hour & a half prior to Illuminations, but again, don't expect to get an outside table.

In 2006 (before the renovation), I booked a time for my sister & I that would allow us to view Illuminations. I asked nicely when I checked in and even said I would wait. We got a table inside, but were told there was a private viewing area for those dining inside. We were escorted to this "private area", where they crammed about 50 people in to a tight little area (standing room only) to view the show. Not exactly what I had in mind. I did see several tables on the patio that were for 4 or more people.

 

[tiger4me2]

Like Terk-1 said can't even request at booking but can ask when at resturant. Funny everytime we go they want us to sit outside & I don't lol But then again it is not around fireworks. But really laugh when I tell them or Dh tells we want a table inside when we check in & when they call us they try to sit us outside lol

 

[perla75]

My guess is, if you are flexible with waiting, make the ADR 1.5 hours in advance of Illuminations. When you check in, let them know you are interested in sitting outside and are willing to wait a little longer for a table if need be. another suggestion might be to make the reservation for 1.75-2 hours prior to Illuminations and plan to have a spread out leisurely meal.

Good luck!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . When you check in, let them know you are interested in sitting outside and are willing to wait a little longer for a table if need be . . .

1) You are not allowed to "wait" for a patio seat.
2) You MUST agree to take the table offered.
3) If not, your ADR is cancelled.
4) Too many people walk away if they don't get a patio table.
5) This reduces the amount of diners, and their revenue.

 

[CJ]

1) You are not allowed to "wait" for a patio seat.
2) You MUST agree to take the table offered.
3) If not, your ADR is cancelled.
4) Too many people walk away if they don't get a patio table.
5) This reduces the amount of diners, and their revenue.

Well I don't see how they can MAKE me take a table I don't want..... I can understand their reasoning, but ultimately you can always walk away, right?

 

[tiger4me2]

1) You are not allowed to "wait" for a patio seat.
2) You MUST agree to take the table offered.
3) If not, your ADR is cancelled.
4) Too many people walk away if they don't get a patio table.
5) This reduces the amount of diners, and their revenue.

No this is not correct YOU DO NOT have to take the seat they offer. Now maybe if you want to wait for a patio seat they might tell you if not there but to refuse you if you don't want to sit outside? No they won't. If you don't want to sit outside/inside they will find you a table. They have done on my last trip in May. Never been refused if I didn't take what they wanted me to sit. But I don't go there to watch the fireworks but to eat.

 

[CJ]

Well, the first step is done!

I got a 7:20 seating on the evening I wanted!
Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[MissFitt]

Just was there June 30th...didn't have an ADR and was able to get right in less then one hour before Illuminations. We did have an indoor table however, when it was time for the show we were taken to the VIP area for those eating at the restaurant. At the VIP are we had a choice of tables to sit at -- I wouldn't say it was crowded at all.

If you don't get patio seating, it's not the end of the world as you can end up sitting outside once the show begins like I did!