How to decide on a place to eat near you
The one who lives miles away. The one who's suddenly gluten-free. The one who makes non-committal humming noises about every suggestion. The one who orders a side salad before minesweeping leftovers (yes, we see you – and we know you're why the tip is short again). The one who insists bar snacks will do just fine and can't remember getting home (if you don't know who that is, it's probably you).
Deciding where to eat out with friends can be a pain in the proverbial. But with Square Meal providing the simplest way to find all the restaurants and bars near you, choosing somewhere to suit everyone is the only remaining hurdle.
The easiest way to start is to get your collective priorities straight – ruthlessly slash possibilities according to budget, distance and dietary requirements.
That hot new restaurant means a two-hour taxi for some – cross it off. The BBQ joint that condemns your vegetarian friend to an evening of goats' cheese: gone. Whether a compulsory tasting menu is worth bankruptcy may depend on the menu and the friend, but you see where we're coming from.
In theory, this removes all the vetoes, leaving a shortlist for a vote or a coin toss. Easy. In case of stalemate, agree to try an entirely new cuisine or restaurant: nobody's feelings get hurt over rebuffed recommendations and the thrill of novelty goes a long way.
Because let's face it, whatever you're spending and whatever you're eating, the value and enjoyment in eating out comes from your dining companions. And if it doesn't, stick a pin in the SquareMeal website – the UK is your oyster...