21: Table for two?

I hate going to restaurants with my wife (much to her disdain). I do love eating in 'gastro' pubs though. What's the difference?

The bloody seating. In restaurants you are encouraged to sit artificially opposite each other - a very formal arrangement for the most informal occasions. In the pub though you can sit next to each other, lounge, sit at the bar, read the paper, whatever you want - great food in an informal atmosphere.

someone should start a chain that has the best of both worlds - good restaurant food but in a more informal setting (or is that just what the best gastropubs already offer?).