or: I’ve Finally Had A Pub Lunch – Alone

It surprises me there’s some things that I’m still reluctant to do by myself. It’s not often (anymore) that I’m aware of it until I realise I’m putting off doing something and I think about why this is the case.

When I was newly single, I went and visited all the spots that had special significance while I was in that relationship so I wouldn’t have anything holding me back from going to those places again. I don’t like the idea of a memory stopping me from doing something so I thought about those times and then gave these places new memories – memories of being by myself there, peaceful and having a good time.

The first time is always the hardest so to get it out of the way by thinking and feeling through it was important. Sometimes the second time wasn’t easy either but it was definitely easier than the first!

Then I went on a holiday by myself. I’d never done this in my life so it was a major step for me. It was a great one to take and has made any other overseas trip that I chose to take alone not be such a big deal since I’d already traveled by myself. This first trip highlighted that I will meet people wherever I go so if I want to mingle, I can, and if I want to be alone, I can do that too. It really is the best of both worlds.

One of my bigger challenges was going to restaurants alone. It sounds weird since I’d eaten lunches alone but never dinners. It seemed to be that when I ate alone voluntarily (at lunch) I didn’t think twice about it (unless I was going to a fancy place in which case, same thoughts as the dinners) but when I didn’t have someone to eat dinner with, that was the issue since going out for dinner had always been a two (or more) person experience for me. I think it’s also because eating lunch alone is fairly common in a central business district but dinners alone is less so.

I broke this too though this one was a little weird. The challenge arose from thinking what other people would be thinking. I decided I had no reason to care what they were thinking, I was hungry, the food looked good and there may also have been a wine list involved in the decision. I was going to have a good time and people could think what they liked.

I’m in London at the moment and I’ve been thinking about these things as I was putting off going into a pub by myself and I wasn’t quite sure why.

I was voluntarily missing out on a great English tradition for some stupid reason (the reasons I have are not always rational) which I wanted to overcome. Turns out I was intimidated by this English tradition and doing something wrong. It was a fear of the unknown.

Since on of the 974 reasons I enjoy travel is to have new experiences, I was not going to let this fear stop me.

I checked with a local about the kinds of pubs to avoid going into as a single female, I asked another about the food, what to expect and any additional tips. I was now prepared.

I had seen a pub in HK called The Slug & Lettuce and had an English friend tell me it is popular in the UK. I took it as a sign when I saw one near to where I was staying. It may not be one of the more traditional ones, but I’m all for baby steps.

I’m also all for not ordering a salad at a pub with a name like that.

I decided to go just before lunch so I could experience it without a crowd and then soak up the atmosphere as the diners and drinkers arrived. It was a good decision as I could take my time to order and settle in.

I stayed for four hours.

* Thanks to Flume and Chet Faker for the title to this post. Feeling a little patriotic today so figured some Australian music was necessary and these guys are great on their own and together.