Children and pubs

[carpediem70]

Hi, new here.
I live near a pub and watching out of my window today I have seen three people turn up to the pub to eat with under 5s.
What do people think about taking children into pubs??

[Numberlock]

I think it's very positive. We should do everything we can to encourage family-style dining/social situations, same as in most of the rest of Europe. It should be seen as normal.

They should scrap the kids menus though.

I take it you have some concerns?

[Cantbelieveitsnotbutter]

Mine probably goes once a month for a meal with us, since birth. Not sawdust on the floor smoke filled places they used to be. I think it's good, they learn eating out etiquette in a generally relaxed place.

[ThePathanKhansWitch]

Brilliant.Yy to scrapping childrens menus though.

[carpediem70]

Hi, it is a pub that sells food with a definite drinking clientele, even lunchtimes.
I don't think the average British pub is anything like the bars and cafes of other European countries.

[Numberlock]

So your view is that they should either be at home or that eating is limited to MacDonald's? I don't get what your point is.

Are you worried the kids are going to turn into alcoholics or get caught up in a brawl?

[imnotmymum]

It is perfectly Ok we have always towed our little ones along to various pubs. Not the ones that say children and dogs welcome- that really gets my back up equating children to a dog, Ilove dogs and have one who is gorgeous but ... I shall stop as will get ranty.
In fact I am a bit that they are having lunch out I am bloody skint.

[Numberlock]

... eating out...

[MrsB74]

Where I grew up (Glasgow), pubs were not places for children, no food on offer only booze! Times have changed a bit and where I live now in the midlands all our local pubs welcome kids and even have nice children's menus with some healthier interesting options. I agree that social eating is good for them learning manners etc.

[carpediem70]

It's a cultural shift that personally bemuses me.

There are plenty of alternatives to Macdonalds.

[imnotmymum]

Cultural shift that bemuses you? I went to pubs as a youngster with Ma and Pa for meals. Could you expand on cultural shift

[ZuleikaD]

When we went to pubs in the 70s my brother and I had to sit outside in the car with a packet of crisps...

[ubik]

MIL and FIL have introduced my kids to the wonders of Wetherspoons. the two eldest love the chicken nuggets. the three year old is partial to spaghetti bolognaise

[badtasteflump]

No problem at all with it - and as others have said, I would much prefer to enjoy lunch in a decent pub with the DC than sit in a skanky fast food outlet.

When pubs were smokey and grim we rarely took the DC in any. But times have changed, thank god

[wigglesrock]

I've always done it and my parents did it with me. My daughters primary school is beside a pub - sometimes we collect the kids and a group of us all go for lunch. I probably spent more time in pubs having lunch when my children were babies than when I was in my early 20s.

I thought this was one of the benefits of the smoking ban.

[carpediem70]

Pubs used to have very distinct public and lounge bars. A distinction that is fast disappearing with pubs greater reliance on income from food and a rise in disposable income that has made eating out a pastime.
This means that the adult environment of a public bar has been absorbed into the family area of the lounge bar.
I'm not so sure this is a beneficial development.

[imnotmymum]

ooh the lounge where the women and kids went brings back memories

[Numberlock]

My daughters primary school is beside a pub - sometimes we collect the kids and a group of us all go for lunch

Woah, loving your style wiggles! If my children were still primary school age, I would definitely be relocating to your catchment area!

[ChunkyPickle]

I wouldn't think twice about taking DS into a pub (2.5) - he's been coming into pubs/restaurants since we first ventured out after he was born (no family nearby to leave him with - not that I wanted to).

I'm not propping him up on a stool at the bar and buying him a half - we're there for a pleasant drink on a Saturday afternoon or lunch/dinner and I can't for the life of me see a problem with it.

[OwlCatMouse]

" A distinction that is fast disappearing with pubs greater reliance on income from food "

Can you think of many pubs that rely just on alcohol sales? Pubs have had to branch out and start offering food, or they'd go bust.

I think it's good that the focus isn't just on going out and drinking. It's GOOD to show children that you go out for a meal, have a drink, spend time with your family/friends. What can possibly be wrong about that.

[wigglesrock]

Numberlock school, pub, chapel, sweetie shop all beside each other - living the dream

[BertieBotts]

I think it's fine. Surely that's the whole point of a FAMILY pub?

I love a good carvery!

[JustAHolyFool]

As a person without children, I have to say I don't like children in pubs. Sometimes I'd just like to go somewhere where I know I won't be bothered by a child, or mind my language.

Nae offence.

[worsestershiresauce]

The pubs near me are all family friendly and food focussed. I often go for sunday lunch with friends and several under 5s. As a kid I remember having to sit outside in the rain sharing a chicken and chips in a basket with my sister, as children weren't allowed in the bar. I think today's more inclusive attitude is an improvement.