Female enjoying a drink alone in a pub - odd?

freeatlast

I just wanted to see if I'm the only female on the planet who enjoys going into a pub, usually the quieter traditional style pub, to just chill out and read a book or the paper, or do the crossword?

I am over 40 and have been doing this since my twenties and I know my older male friends think it very odd. My younger female friends say things like 'fair play to ya' etc which means they obviously think I'm either very courageous in some way or just a bit mad. I'm not a raving feminist and am not doing it to make a point, I just really enjoy it.

I usually go once midweek, straight after work and have two drinks while reading. I live alone so am not avoiding the kids/hubby or anything.

Am I unique then?

shivvyban

I do it every now and then... Love having a pint of heineken/hot port in front of me with a book or notepad. Its really calms me down.

I just hate when the randomers feel 'Oh she's on her own, must want some company!' and then its hard to get rid of them! :rolleyes:

(Ooops, forgot to mention I'm 24 and I've been doing that since I was 20)

femur61

Same age as you I'd imagine its the same as me going to a coffee shop to read a book/paper. So whatever you enjoy and feel it is within your comfort zone.

panda100

Im a big fan of the mid-week solitary pint. When I'm in Dublin I usually nip into The Boars Head on Capel street for a nice quiet glass of wine as I read my book. When In Limerick it's The White House.

I enjoy my own company and like doing things by myself so I don't find it odd,but yes my friends definately find it wierd that I go into a pub by myself.

shivvyban

panda100 wrote: »

When I'm in Dublin I usually nip into The Boars Head on Capel street for a nice quiet glass of wine as I read my book.

McNeills is another quiet little pub on Capel St. I go there sometimes... its warm and proper Irish (not in a cheesy way ).

Nevyn

I've been doing it from my lates teens as well, there are a few places were you can some others get a bit crowded early evening is great for it.

Caveat

I think it's a bit odd in that it's probably not that common - at least not IME.

But I don't think it's odd as in weird, no.

The fact that you're doing something other than just drinking (reading in your case) probably helps make it less weird. Not sure why TBH.

freeatlast

I feel better already. I do get the odd glance from aul fellas, wondering what I'm about I suppose and I avoid the younger pubs cos don't want to be bothered by anyone thinking I might enjoy some company. Women stare at me a lot, I have to say which is a tad irritating but the enjoyment beats the irritation, so I'll be doing it for a long time to come!

missmatty

I do it too occasionally and I like it. Usually have a book with me so if I had an hour to spare in town before meeting someone and I didn't fancy doing the shops I would go into a quiet pub. Sometimes go to cafes or the cinema too. Doesn't bother me, I like doing things on my own. I haven't noticed anyone giving me funny looks.

missmatty

Weird, no edit button. I'm 32 anyhoo.

Shivers26

I wouldn't think it was weird if I saw a woman sitting alone in the pub. I don't think I would do it myself. I just don't enjoy drinking alone but I would be happy enough to order a drink and sit down of I was early meeting someone.

I would happily sit in Starbucks alone and read though.

Fago!

No, I'd often see women alone in a pub! Ain't nowt wrong with that.

I like doing that as well..its a great way of chilling out ...i like my own company

Abi

freeatlast wrote: »

I just wanted to see if I'm the only female on the planet who enjoys going into a pub, usually the quieter traditional style pub, to just chill out and read a book or the paper, or do the crossword?

I am over 40 and have been doing this since my twenties and I know my older male friends think it very odd. My younger female friends say things like 'fair play to ya' etc which means they obviously think I'm either very courageous in some way or just a bit mad. I'm not a raving feminist and am not doing it to make a point, I just really enjoy it.

I usually go once midweek, straight after work and have two drinks while reading. I live alone so am not avoiding the kids/hubby or anything.

Am I unique then?

I do it too. I usually bring a paper, book or my netbook with me. I love finding a quiet little corner, treating myself to a nice pub lunch then wash it down with few drinks. Happy days!

Cerocco

you know i've only done it when i'm waiting for a flight, train etc ( this happens alot with work) but after reading this I feel inspired to pop down to the local quiet pub mid week for a pint and a nice relax with my book. Thanks OP :)

Dilynnio

freeatlast wrote: »

I just wanted to see if I'm the only female on the planet who enjoys going into a pub, usually the quieter traditional style pub, to just chill out and read a book or the paper, or do the crossword?

I always do this for a coffee and I find it really relaxing.

Sometimes you can have some really good banter too!

I much prefer going to an old traditional pub than a cafe. The atmosphere is nice and its more quite.

chocgirl

I would maybe for a cup of coffee in the middle of the day if it was quiet, don't think I'd be brave enough for an actual drink though, especially at night. I just think there'd be too much hassle, can imagine not being left alone at all.

Dudess

freeatlast wrote: »

my older male friends think it very odd.

Hate that sh1te.

Up to recently, it was not something I personally would have done, purely as I consider having a drink in a bar to be a social ritual - that was just my personal take on it - however I'm starting to come round now. I imagine it's enjoyable in the extreme with something great to read.

southsiderosie

I'm in my early 30s and I used to do this quite often before I moved to Dublin - I've found that a lot of the pubs here are quite dark, and I can't read without going cross-eyed.

When I lived in Spain, I loved settling into a bar (or better yet, a table on a plaza) with a cigarette, a newspaper, and a beer for an hour or so before I went home. BLISS.

Ruthie-Roux

Hiya,

Thanks for making a very valid point. I had to reply to this one because I do this quite often and know that Im in the minority doing so! Its quite common for men to go to a bar, club or pub alone and sit at the bar etc but when a woman does it she tends to draw all kinds of stares and yes it is often assumed that she`s on the pull. I have always done exactly as I please in that regard-I`ll sit in a pub with my book or mag and a glass of wine quite happily and have turned up to bars and clubs on my own when I feel like it. I like it! Theres a freedom in it I think and I enjoy my own company and playing by my own rules. Society needs to move on a little I think.