Fancy giving solo dining a go? Here are five of my best tips…

• Choose the right restaurant: If you’re nervous about eating alone, opt for somewhere with a communal feel, such as a restaurant or café that serves diners on benches rather than individual tables. You will feel less conspicuous than if you sat at a table on your own. You could also try somewhere with a quick turnaround, such as a tapas or pizza restaurant, so you’re in and out within the hour.

• Be fussy about where you sit: Always get a seat near a window if you can – people watching is all part of the fun.

• Bring a prop: If you feel self-conscious about sitting alone, bring a prop to keep you distracted – a book or magazine that you’ve been meaning to read for ages, or a film downloaded on your phone or tablet.

• Treat it as a treat: This sounds obvious, but pick a restaurant that you actually want to eat at, and order food that you actually want to eat. Remember, this is your treat to yourself, not a punishment.

• Don’t worry: Finally, try not to worry about what other people think. In all likelihood, they won’t even have noticed that you’re dining alone – after all, how often do you go into a restaurant and immediately single out all the people who are sat by themselves? Exactly.

“Why eating out alone is one of the greatest joys of my life”