Would you take a one year old to a pub on a Saturday for dinner?

[MeadowHay]

Genuine question. It's our first so not sure. I don't think it's a good idea but DH thought it would be ok so now neither of us know. It would be around 5.30 or 6pm so not very late. The pub is family friendly in the daytime but not sure what would it be like on a Sat evening. It would be as a big family group that includes a 4 year old and if she made a lot of noise one of us would take her out ofc. I just thought it might be frowned upon and less tolerance of her noise than in the daytime. Wwyd?

Would and have, many many times! Mine are older now but know how to behave when eating out because they've done it since being tiny. Go for it!

Yes if it was a family friendly place. Bring colouring or baby books, be prepared to take her out if she makes noise.

Yes. Especially as part of a family group for a meal which included other children. Have a lovely evening!

I would.

I've done this many times

Did this loads of times in family friendly places. The key is to have enough snacky bits available and plenty of toys/books/distractions. And as pp said, to take them for a wander outside if they get fractious.

I’m a firm believer that if you can, you should take them to restaurant settings regularly from as early as possible so they can learn to behave well in that environment and enjoy the social occasions.

Yes but double check they allow children in the evenings as not all places do. Sometimes pub licences only permit children during certain times.

Yes? Why wouldn't it be OK?

Yes of course it would be alright.

Yeah of course.

Yep. Absolutely. Especially at a family friendly place. Would take a bag with some nibbly bits and books in.

If it's a pub grub casual one, then yes (with the usual caveats about behaviour/crying).

Ifs it's a lairy big screen tv sports bar; fancy cocktails or other type of clearly adults only venue, then no.

Some pubs don't have a licence to have children on the premises later in the evening so I'd probably phone first.

The four year old is more of an issue than the one year old...

I have never been to a pub that is no children or phoned ahead. There are always children in pubs, some have gardens for them. McMullen have a children’s menu

Yes, there's no need to put your life on hold just because you have a baby.

Yes, I would.

Depends on the pub.

Taken mine for evening meals since they were tiny, obviously to suitable places. They behave impeccably wherever we go now as they are so used to it, no tablets or phones allowed although always handy when places have the colouring menus!

Some pubs don't have a licence to have children on the premises later in the evening
Anywhere serving food will be fine.

Does depend on the pub but if it’s family friendly in the day then it’s safe to say that at 5:30/6pm it still will be.

It's fine if it's a family friendly place and it's early on. As others have said, you've got a plan.

If be more wary if it was a pub that does posh pub food (gastro pub sounds pretentious but you know what I mean) that people travel ages to get to.

Definitely! If they're eating ask them to bring children's meal out as soon as ready so not waiting ages.
It's nice to go and do normal things again! It'll prob be quiet or full of families with kids.
Have fun!

We took ours from a very early age, can't remember a time they didn't come, and have just been away and received so many compliments on how well our children behave. I'm sure this is down to them doing it forever!
We had a bag which went with us that had things that could keep them amused. Now they are a bit older we just take a pack of cards!

Yes, but take stuff to occupy the baby and don't let them run about except in designated play areas.

The reason why childless (and those of whose kids are grown) complain about kids in pubs and restaurants is because a certain subset of parents don't seem to care about everyone else in the establishment, they don't tell (older) children to sit still and ignore their offspring in favour of chatting with their partner/friends. Nobody minds well behaved children and those with attentive parents who engage with their bored/upset child