There's a nice little trattoria nearby, so if I go out with colleagues, we ring ahead and say how many we are.
The portions are huge and well-priced, but it's only small, so ring ahead if you're turning up with a big group.
"There is a large metal gate at the entrance and I have to ring ahead to be let in by the groundsmen," he said.
Henry started throwing Dallas around outside the ring, not caring about the referee's ten-count, but as the official reached nine, Dallas snuck in the ring ahead of Henry, meaning the World's Strongest Man was disqualified.
If people are worried about a trip they are going to make, Howard suggests that they ring ahead to ask people at their destination about conditions and the best roads.
Choose somewhere obviously run by a character (zany decor or a humorous website with personal details about the owners are giveaways) and ring ahead to gauge whether they might supply a social element.
As long as you allow a little leeway, or ring ahead to book a private room if you're nervous, it's virtually impossible to be entirely let down.
There's a cinema room, and round-the-clock room service, so that, as the publicist obligingly explained: "When you're flying back to London, you just ring ahead and ask for someone to turn down your bed".
