A quick drink alone in 76 Dean street

The first time I went there, I went alone after an amazing dinner just across the road at Doppo Soho. Following a long, liberating chat with Nati over a delicious plate of Beef Shin Ragu Pappardelle and a bottle of Cuvelier Los Andres, I didn’t quite feel like going home just yet. Nati needed to dash to get her beauty sleep before a long-haul flight back to her happy place - and since I was at great distance from my happy place both mentally and physically, I decided to stay for a night cap. I didn’t want anybody to talk to me or even see me, I just wanted the atmosphere to inspire my Malbec-soaked mind.

I walked upstairs and took a seat at the central bar. It felt like a scripted movie-scene out of a romantic comedy.

One round of Picante and plenty of people watching later I was on my way home to get my own beauty sleep. I always loved alone-time, but used to be scared of doing things on my own in public - something that changed over the years and I’m so glad it did. I love hanging out with my friends, but having dinner or a drink alone is one my favourite things to do.

I understand how intimidating it could be not having a dedicated companion to talk to. But self-entertainment is superpower we all need a bit more of - I see friends and family struggling to find joy in independence. I say, let’s treat ourselves how we’d treat someone we really care about… and see what happens.