What do you think of restaurant reservation apps like The Plate?

These apps are really handy when you're in a rush! I use them occasionally to snag a table quickly without having to spend ages on the phone. The idea is genuinely good - you see availability straight away and get a confirmation on your phone. Especially when you want to go out on a whim or need to find a last-minute free table, it saves you so much hassle.

But honestly, they have their downsides too! Not all restaurants are signed up to them, and some owners rely way too much on the app instead of actually communicating properly by phone. Then you sit there wondering whether they even made your reservation. With smaller, family-run places I still think personal contact is better - you can sort out any special requests directly and you already build a relationship with the staff.

As for The Plate specifically - I can't really say anything reliable about that, it's not my area. Generally I'd say give it a try! It works great for big chains and well-known restaurants, but for special requests or smaller places I'd still pick up the phone.