First night dinner reservation

[Saund123]

I know this is a bit of a how long is a piece of string question, but I’ve booked a 6.30pm reservation at Ale & Compass when we land at 3.35pm on BA from Gatwick.
Am I being unrealistic about making this? Not sure whether to just change it to another night.

[bloominadversit]

I would say that’s unrealistic in terms of timing.
The general rule of thumb is to not book an ADR on the first night - you could be delayed at worst, but at the very least tired and cranky.
I’d move it

[loves2plan]

We never book an ADR for travel day. There are too many variables out of your control - flight delays, long queues at immigration etc. After a long travel day, we're generally too tired to enjoy a full sit down meal, so just grab a QS or some snacks to share. 6.30pm on travel day would be like eating at 11.30pm too for your body clock. I'd much rather save TS meals when I can relax and enjoy them.

[Grace_1412]

Always QS for us on the first night generally at the pool trying to keep the kids up for a few hours

[Gill H]

Both our journeys had long delays and it was gone 10pm when we checked in.

If you don’t arrive in time for an ADR you could be charged, and you will be too tired anyway. Plenty of CS food available, don’t risk it.

[Guest]

I have booked an ADR for my arrival day, but I will be travelling from elsewhere in the US. It is still a risk, but I definitely wouldn’t do it straight after a UK flight.

[GezzasGem]

I wouldn't risk it as others have said - if you can change it to another night that might be best. You can always play it by ear once you arrive and are en route and look at availability if you do fancy a TS meal 👍

[THE WIZARD]

Definitely unrealistic in a couple of ways. Arriving at the time you expect is not a guarantee & even if you do you may be one plane of 3 or 4 so getting out of the actual airport could take a good few hours! Then you have to get to your hotel add on 5 hours time difference n you may well be asleep at the restaurant table & have wasted an ADR credit. Eat at the QS place atcyour hotel or nearest from your hotel n get to bed.

[chmurf]

unrealistic, and unadvisable.

[love2plan]

We always do QS dinner on the first night because it’s so unpredictable what time you’ll actually get to the hotel.