With the festive season upon us, you might be looking forward to family get-togethers, office parties, and work meals out. Dining as a group is a social ritual that brings people together to enjoy good food, fine wine, and energetic conversation. However, solo dining is also on the rise.

Interestingly, in the United States, the number of people now dining alone was seen as evidence of unhappiness and bumped the country down in the annual World Happiness Report.

But for many, it’s a deliberate choice – one to do with confidence, empowerment, and the freedom to enjoy one’s own company.

Solo dining can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it’s not always easy

You might not notice it until you head out to dine alone, but many restaurants are set up for couples or even larger groups. Two-for-the-price-of-one deals or bottomless brunches rarely have solo dining in mind.

You might find yourself seated in a far corner or at the bar, offered a taster menu for two and asked to pay the full bill, or even turned away.

Broadly speaking, different countries have different attitudes to dining out. In Italy, say, eating is a communal experience about bringing families together, whereas in Japan, solo dining is much more common.

In the UK, solo diners are often assumed to be in a rush or less profitable for restaurants. However, attitudes are shifting.

The kind of counter seating found at sushi restaurants makes them ideal for solo diners, while some UK restaurants now offer a casual vibe with seats overlooking the kitchen. You might even find shared tables, giving every diner tacit permission to converse with strangers.

The south of England has an array of restaurants perfect for solo dining

At de Mellow & Co HQ, we’re proud to be located in an area so rich in history, culture, and gastronomic excellence, with many restaurants listed in both the Michelin and AA Guides.

Here are just a few local restaurants that you might visit as a solo diner.

Nearby Emsworth is home to several restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, including 36 on the Quay, which offers à la carte, tasting, and set menus. This contemporary restaurant is situated on Emsworth Quay and offers high-quality and relaxed dining with friendly service.

Nearby, you’ll also find Fat Olives, located within a 17th-century fisherman’s cottage whose old passageways and cellars were once used by smugglers. Making use of local suppliers, Fat Olives has featured in the Michelin guide since opening in 2000 and appeared in the Sunday Times. The restaurant promises a memorable time, with “Friendly Food, Tasty People”.

A little further afield, Winchester is home to many top-rated restaurants, including The Chesil Rectory, housed in a medieval building that is the oldest commercial property in the city. It has been a restaurant for the last 75 years and serves classic British food with a modern twist.

Hartnett Holder and Co at the Lime Hotel, meanwhile, is jointly owned and run by TV chef Angela Hartnett. Enjoy pranzetto (a light, leisurely lunch) with the set menu or visit on a Sunday to enjoy a proper roast over a long and lazy lunchtime.

Closer to home, you might visit the birthplace of English wine, Hambledon Vineyard. Once there, drop into The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate.

Expect exceptional cuisine in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with extensive views across the vineyard. Seasonal menus use local ingredients to create delicious dishes and a memorable dining experience, whether you eat alone or with others.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not imply or express endorsement by St. James’s Place. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

SJP Approved 27/11/2025