That's how TopTable, a UK table reservation site used to work. 10 years ago most restaurants did not have online booking (may be not even a website!), but you c

That's how TopTable, a UK table reservation site used to work. 10 years ago most restaurants did not have online booking (may be not even a website!), but you could still book through TT -- they'd just call the restaurant on your behalf to confirm and update your account. I believe this was a win/win for the restaurants: a fancy place back then might well have free tables for tomorrow evening but everyone will think they're fully booked. TopTable was eventually acquired by OpenTable (losing lots of its charm in the process).