I, an American, recently visited Scotland. On a number of occasions I found myself confused as to whether I was supposed to seat myself or wait to be seated.
2007-01-13 10:44:12 · 10 answers · asked by appalachianlimbo 5 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ Other - United Kingdom
The first difference tends to be between whether it is lunch time or dinner time. At lunch time you seat yourself, at dinner you wait to be seated. The other thing is whether the place serves mainly food or whether they mainly serve beverages as well, eg a pub or coffee shop. In a restaurant or cafe you wait to be seated, in a pub or coffee house serving food you seat yourself.
Of course this mean you can find yourself in a cafe at lunch waiting to be seated and at a pub in the evening taking the first seat you can find, which is why you've had trouble.
A final clue is how much attention the staff pay when you come in the door. If they look at you when you come in and appear to pay attention to your appearance (whether they actually come toward you or not!) then they are probably going to come and seat you. If the staff ignore the door opening then they are not going to come and seat you.
I would always tend to wait if not sure, as that is less embarrassing than sitting down and being asked to move! And you can always ask if in doubt.
2007-01-13 10:53:23 · answer #1 · answered by Velouria 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Scott and I too get confused. Sometimes it tells you on a board at the door to wait to be seated. I would say that if that board is not there then you go chose a seat that suits you!! Enjoy your stay in Bonnie Scotland and don't let the locals put you off!!!!
2007-01-13 10:50:10 · answer #2 · answered by puzzled 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If it's a pub or cafe, just sit down.
If it's a proper restaurant, wait to be seated.
If you're not sure what kind of establishment you're in, ask a member of staff.
2007-01-13 10:49:47 · answer #3 · answered by mcfifi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I am on holiday and go to a restaurant I haven't been to before I go and sit down unless there is someone by the door
2007-01-13 10:52:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
are you male or female , in Scotland you just sit your **** down on the chair, nobody is going to pull your seat out unless you are in a posh restaurant
2007-01-13 10:49:50 · answer #5 · answered by MISSY G 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
believe me people don't care when and where u sit in Scotland
2007-01-13 10:47:41 · answer #6 · answered by me 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
they dont even know in scotland them selfs how r u 2 no
2007-01-13 10:47:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
It don't matter but you must cross your legs if your wearing a kilt.
2007-01-13 10:53:56 · answer #8 · answered by kevin_4508 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Depends on your surroundings.
Just do what feels comfortable is usually best.
If it's a mcdonalds feel free to sit down when you please;)
2007-01-13 10:48:31 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
was this a dream or were you in a Denny's?
2007-01-13 10:49:20 · answer #10 · answered by DizzleDot 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋