Whether somebody can sit with you is decided by dimensions nobody discusses. Legroom, the position of a pedestal, the height of a rail: these determine who can pull a wheelchair up to a table, who is left at the corner, and who has to sit slightly apart from the conversation. The exclusion is not intended by anyone, and it is felt entirely by the person on the outside of it.

When you book somewhere or arrange a room, ask about the table rather than the entrance. Getting through the door is only useful if there is somewhere to be once you are inside.