Side Tables’ Preferred.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue X, 9 March 1901, Page 452

Side Tables’ Preferred.

Recent Auckland Weddings.

Why is it that most persons when entering a restaurant will seat themselves at one of the side tables in preference to the centre tables? If this idiosyncrasy of restaurant patrons has never attracted your attention, just note the appearance of your own restaurant when next you have occasion to go there before the midday rush sets in.

Almost, every side table will be taken by one or more persons, while of the centre tables scarcely one will boast of an occupant. This rule holds good from the highest class of establishment to the cheapest form of “beanery” and not only is it .true of eating places mostly patronised by men, but also of restaurants in the shopping districts where women form the greater part of the custom. Many waiters with whom I have talked on the subject confirmed the truth of the statement, but few sought to explain it, contenting themselves with the remark that they much preferred to be assigned to side table.-, where they were not only assured of more chance to make “tips,” but where these self-sa.me tips were also much more generous, the satisfaction of sitting at the side seeming to promote the good nature of the luncher or diner.

What the explanation may be is difficult to say exactly. Perhaps because the coat hooks are usually ranged along the walls, those seeking to replenish their inner economy prefer to be where they can at the same time keep close watch of their outer integuments, but this only comes into consideration during the winter, as in summer there are no coats or wraps to watch out for. Man. and woman, too. for that matter, is a creature of habit, however, and the custom acquired during the winter probably unconsciously clings in summer.

Another reason advanced is that many persons prefer to eat with as much privacy as possible, and think they can secure this in a greater measure by sitting at one side of a room rather than in the middle, where they are exposed, as it were, to the concentrated gaze of all those in the establishment.