Raglan Road - can we make an evening of it?

[UKDEB]

We've eaten at RR a couple of time before, but we've never been there for the entertainment (which I understand starts at 9pm). We've made an ADR for 8pm in August. Will we be able to sit at our table as long as we like (as you would in a real pub) or will we be expected to vacate it for those with later ADRs?

 

[hmp2z]

Well, they won't hustle you out, especially if you keep ordering drinks, but they do kind of count on table turnover to accommodate other ADR's, as you mentioned. I know there is a bar area; if you're just having drinks, you might want to move to there, or sit there in the first place, so you can get & keep a seat.

Several people have complained that they had an hour+ wait for seats here; it's probably due to the expectation by restaurant management that this is a restaurant, so people will eat & leave when they're done ordering. I didn't realize that guests might stay here for 4 hours or so, but I guess if you keep ordering drinks, then the restaurant is still getting its money. Even if some other Disser will complain that the wait for a seat was 2 hours!

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Dina]

A few years ago, we got there at 10:45pm (so it was no problem sitting at a table for a long period of time as the dinner crowd was definitely winding down--- just about everyone at the tables just had drinks, we saw one table near us with food-- we didn't have the kids with us)--- we did keep ordering drinks, and stayed there until closing--- we had an AWESOME time. We loved the entertainment there!

 

[MadToad]

Apart from being a possible inconveinance to the restaurant, you absolutely can make a night out of RR. The band plays endlessly and the dancing girl dances for 30 seconds about twice an hour. The beer is terrific and the deserts are fantastic.

 

[futreWDI]

If you eat slowly and don't rush your ordering. Order your apps first, wait for them to come and THEN order your dinner. I am sure you would be fine. They stop seating people at 11 so just make it a long dinner. Ask to be seated in the main dining room so you are around the entertainment. Also, if the dinner ends earlier than you'd like, just ask your waiter if there is somewhere you can move to, like maybe a closed section to sit and watch. I know that I have been at the bar, sat down at a table just to get a closer look (planning on only sitting for 5 mins!) and a waitree will ask if I need anything.

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for your responses - all really helpful.

 

[Robert P]

I agree with the other posters about the possibility of making an evening of it, but have one huge word of warning:

We were there last week. Went to RR @ 10:30 to see the band for a few songs, and it had to be the LOUDEST place I have been to in many many years. Our group plopped down somewhere between the band and the dancer's platform, point blank in front of the speakers I would have to guess later, and conversation was 100% absolutley impossible while the music was playing. It was painfully loud, and though I only stayed for 2 songs myself, my ears were ringing when I left. I would liken the noise level to being near a jet engine at the airport. It was so loud, I could hardly make out what songs were being played, let alone any of the words.

I would look to sit off to the side or even at the bar, but definitely not right down in front of the band. A full evening of music that loud could seriously affect your hearing, at least in the short run.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

I was wondering about that too--whether they expect you to scoot on out after dinner. We also have an 8:00 adr--thinking maybe we should try to make it a bit later. Does anyone know if the entertainment consistently begins at 9:00pm? We don't mean to stay there all evening, but would like to get in a good 30 minutes or so of the music.