Credit card details requested

Sarahd123

Hi, I have been very lucky to win a prize which includes a meal at a restaurant in London. I have requested a booking though the details given to me, which has been confirmed by the restaurant but i need to provide my credit card details in order to secure the booking. The link goes through open table.
My question is, is this normal, definitely not normal for booking at my local pub, but I'm guessing cities are different 

itsthelittlethings

I think it’s fairly normal, it’s in case you don’t turn up.

flaneurs_lobster

Pretty normal these days for any decent restaurant, only way to counter "no-shows" that can kill a restaurant's margin. 

Make sure you know exactly what the terms are (how much pp is taken for a no-show, cancellation terms, leeway on time).

Sarahd123

Thank you both so much, I guessed that was the case just wanted to make sure.

Emmia

Sarahd123 said:

Hi, I have been very lucky to win a prize which includes a meal at a restaurant in London. I have requested a booking though the details given to me, which has been confirmed by the restaurant but i need to provide my credit card details in order to secure the booking. The link goes through open table.
My question is, is this normal, definitely not normal for booking at my local pub, but I'm guessing cities are different 

To confirm it's 100% normal in London. It helps with no shows, and "dine and dash."

A couple of times I've eaten out alone as the person I'd go with had been unwell and can't make it, and eating by myself is cheaper than the late cancellation cost.

I'd estimate 80 - 90% of restaurants (or at least the ones I book) have this arrangement. I'm actually more surprised, if they don't require card details.