Write it · Café English
Book a café table in English: email and message templates.
Use this when a café asks you to book online, by message or by email. Give the day, time, number of people and your name. Keep it short.
What to include
- Day and date
- Time
- Number of people
- Your name and phone number
- Any special request (high chair, wheelchair access, birthday)
New booking
Hello, could I book a table for four people on Saturday at 10 am? The name is [name]. My phone number is [number]. Thank you.
Hi, I would like to book for six people on Friday at 6 pm. Do you have a table near the entrance? Thanks.
Change or cancel
Hello, I have a booking under [name] on Saturday at 10 am. Could we change it to 11 am, please?
Hi, I am sorry, I need to cancel my booking for Friday at 6 pm under [name]. Thank you for your help.
Replies you may get
| The café writes | It means |
|---|---|
| Your booking is confirmed. | Your table is saved. |
| We are fully booked at that time. | There is no table then. |
| Could you come at 11 instead? | They suggest another time. |
| A deposit is required. | You must pay some money first. Read the terms. |
| We hold tables for 15 minutes. | Arrive on time or they may give your table away. |
Polite phrases
- Could I book a table for…?
- Would it be possible to…?
- Thank you for your help.
- Please let me know if you need more information.
- See you on Saturday.
Quick fix exercise
Try it: Rewrite: “Table for 5 tomorrow noon.”
Possible answer: “Hello, could I book a table for five people tomorrow at 12 noon? The name is [name]. Thank you.”
Cafés differ. Check the café’s own website or sign for its rules, prices and contact details. For a serious consumer problem, your state or territory consumer affairs office can explain your options.