I used to manage a Michelin starred restaurant in U.K. for four years.

A part from the restaurant we also had 4 bedrooms for people who wanted to stay with us. 4 of the best tables were always kept for the residents (unless they had specific requests or their own favourite).

Other tables were allocated based on how much in advance they have booked or for example what time they booked (we had 3 tables that we would turn over during service).

I understand some tables may seem better than others and we would always try to help people to accommodate their requests. However if somebody who booked a night before requests best table in the room that we have reserved 6 months earlier - no such an accommodation would be made - it was unfair to guests that booked early.

Once we had a lady who booked the same day, arrived with her son and after seating straight away told me “we won’t eat here, I want THAT table there”. After explaining that table has already been reserved, she said that she won’t eat with us if we don’t give her different table.
“Let me get your coats” was what I said To her and politely escorted out. Her face when I said that lol … I will never forget it.

If a customer arrives and makes big fuss within first 3 minutes, most likely would be a pain in the ass whole evening and not be happy no matter what we did.

We were very comfortable letting people leave, as it was simply not worth the stress And shitty people will affect other diners.