To think that it's appalling that working men are not allowed to eat at certain restaurants?

[Sickofpeppapig00]

So, just started dating this guy. Very well educated (bachelor degree), nicely spoken. He works as an electrician. He recently mentioned that we would have liked to have lunch at Bill's (fairly casual restaurant chain in London) but couldn't as working men are not allowed to eat inside (only in their outdoor sitting area). Apparently this is the case with many other restaurant chains in London.

AIBU to think this is appalling behaviour and even might be illegal?

They often work under floors, in roof spaces etc so can get very dirty.

I'm quite sure it will be a dress code issue. Unless they do a questionnaire on the door.

Are working women allowed in?

I do think they're misding a trick though. Workmen have massive appetites after manual cold work, my Dh has hollow legs. Although we are ooop north so no issue here. We all dress for the mines and can eat our hotpots wherever.

GokTwo I guess when you put it like that it does make sense. ...

Exactly zippy.

Bills loss really.

I have never been asked what I do before eating at the resturaunt! [confised]

Bill's is ridiculously overpriced.

Dh isn't allowed past the hallway in his filthy workclothes, I wouldn't expect any restaurant in the land to let him in either. No-one wants eau de diesel lingering while they're eating.

I've eaten at Bill's and find it hard to believe that they have a dress code. How badly dressed was he?

I can understand a dress code in lots of London restaurants and think that is a good thing really.

Working men are allowed in, surely.

It's men, and probably women too, in dirty work clothes and boots that are not. And highly so.

Similar to many pubs in the countryside asking walkers to remove muddy boots, clothes etc.

They let in grotty looking rugger buggers wearing flip flops, I've seen em!

Ah, workmen!! Genuinely thought you meant working men.

Eh? I've been to Bills with my children. They are generally filthy, paint spattered and their table manners are appalling.

But we is posh so that might be why they're allowed, innit?

Lol at OP assuring us he's well educated and nicely spoken despite being an electrician!

Bill's are national.

How about a skirt and tie?

Andrew: behave yourself.

And yes, I assume it's to do with grubby work clothes rather than being classist. Bill's isn't exactly highbrow

Most people wouldn't want to eat next to someone in dirty overalls, covered in dust, mud etc.

Surely you would wash and change before going into a restaurant?

Did you actually go and get turned away? And if so was he wearing his work clothes?
And if you haven't been was he planning to go in work clothes?
Or do you think he's misunderstood the policy? despite his university education

We allow the workies in our caff.

They spend loads of money.