A Table for Two – and One Brave Heart

Anthony, Manager

It was a packed Valentine’s evening service when a sharply dressed young man in his twenties arrived early for his table for two, a bouquet of red roses in hand. As we were already at full capacity, I asked him to return at his booking time. When he came back, I seated him at one of our most sought-after booth tables.

Around forty minutes later, a team member quietly said, “I think table 30’s been stood up.” I realised it was the same young man – now visibly deflated, a few beers in, staring into the middle distance.

I went over to check on him. At first, he brushed it off and said he was fine, but eventually admitted he’d been stood up.

I moved him to a quieter corner, away from curious eyes, and offered his meal and drinks on the house. One of our team members spent some time chatting with him and helped lift his spirits.

When he left, he thanked us sincerely and said he was heading home to unwind. We shook hands, exchanged names, and I reminded him to take care of himself.

I just wanted him to feel seen – because in that moment, he clearly felt invisible. You never know how someone might cope with that kind of heartbreak. I hope, in some small way, we helped turn what could have been a very dark evening into something a little lighter.