Solo dining: How to do it well

CHOOSE THE VENUE WITH CARE: Beware fashionable places that have just opened. Independent neighbourhood restaurants are kinder and need your custom more. LEARN HOW TO PEOPLE WATCH: A good restaurant is like being on your own chat show, from spotting couples with nothing in common to those on a tentative first date. Choose a seat where you have a vantage point to observe others — you’ll feel more relaxed if there’s bustle around you. TAKE A HELPFUL PROP: A novel, phone, dark glasses, hat — whatever makes you comfortable. A laptop is fine. Increasingly many of our conversations are virtual. BE ASSERTIVE ABOUT LIGHTING: If you plan to read over dinner, make sure your table has overhead lighting — a candle isn’t enough past 50. IT’S OK TO BE INQUISITIVE: Sommeliers and waiters love answering menu questions.