Dining Out in London- The Benefits of Indulgence

London seems to thrive on dining out. There seems an inexhaustible supply of caterers from high end steakhouses to street food wagons. It is no surprise some rooms and studios come with only basic kitchens- or even none at all! There are wide demographics of people who depend on regular visits to large chains and some who save for an annual visit to Rule’s or J.Sheekey. Add to this the new rise of couriers and you have to wonder whether you are a decadent diner or more tight-fisted and bussing home each night to heat your soup.

The Benefits of Dining Out

Ultimately, money serves as a time saver. Shopping, cooking and cleaning take a lot of time- especially if you avoid the bag tax and insist on buying only what you can clutch home. This can all be avoided by walking out to your choice of restaurant.

Not only do you have the above concerns, but a relaxing hour in a restaurant means you are well fed and hydrated as a ritual. Those of us who insist on dropping into supermarkets for sandwiches and bottles of water certainly don’t have this sustained sense of balance that lasts the rest of the day.

If you work freelance, working in a cafe with food just an order away gives you more working hours.

This also justifies your ‘office space.’

 

Dining Out is Social

If you are alone then you can connect with those around you in a way unlike that of the supermarket clearance shelf. If you are with someone then you can experience a special floor whilst waiting for your orders where ideas and plans are exchanged far more clearly than when walking or busy around the house.

At home whether you cook or just have a cup of tea, someone has to do it, and it’s distracting for both of you.

You Don’t Have to Drink.

This is one of those rare occasions where socialising and alcohol don’t have to be combined. In fact, many prefer simple tap water to avoid inflated drinks prices and better appreciate the food. But…

(whisper) It’s Great When You’ve Had a Few

Attempting to cook after a night out can be a costly disaster. However, a late-night chinese, kebab or Wetherspoons can extend a night out to a pleasant conclusion. This is quite different from a few more drinks and going to bed nauseous. Some heavy carbohydrate can sober you up for a better sleep and much better morning. How civilised.

You Stay Out

The recurring theme here is that everything is done for you. This means you can go straight to that drinks evening, talk or performance. If working or studying late then rewarding yourself this way rather than shopping and cooking can be very motivating.

It’s Often Healthier

If you eat alone, you are probably quite relaxed about a stream of microwave dinners and noodles. Eating a full meal without having to read any nutritional information can be much better.

Of course, not knowing exactly what you are eating can be a problem for many people. We consider this in ‘Dining Out in London- How much is too much?’.

We won’t all live in London forever. We are surrounded by choices of food that need us only to wander outside our front door. Whether we move further out or live in a different town, choice will become more limited to travel and the convenience aspect is lost. Family commitments will make home-cooking more cost-effective and even more enjoyable. Food is a great way to experience London for what is really is- people, culture and energy. So enjoy it while you can.

The post Dining Out in London- The Benefits of Indulgence appeared first on Felix Magazine.