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?

Is Bill's the Job Centre café?

Ooooh your title ( and thread) has annoyed me.

You do know women are employed in "trades" these days?

I miss my hat and safety boots

Agree it's a dress code/dirt thing. When DH was in building trade he would have to strip before even entering the house....I miss that too!

I work on construction sites and even the trades that aren't doing dirty jobs get covered in general site muck. I work in the office on site and I get covered in dust and dirt. My DP works as a heating engineer and you should see (and smell) the state of him when he comes home.

He goes straight in the shower when he gets home otherwise the house would be disgusting.

Totally agree that they shouldn't be allowed in nicer establishments looking and smelling the way they do!

It means 'don't be coming in here covered in crap' not 'begone you ruffians'

Love this .
Maybe this is what should be written up, to avoid confusion.

DP is an electrician hes comes hope filthy the shower is black whens hes been in.

they craw around in lofts under floors and channel out walls.

as PP have said its dirty work clothes that are a problem.

my DP has to get showered before he can even sit down, l once has to pick him up from the office i had to get the seat cleaned in the car after

I was once in a wanky gastro pub that told two guys in (clean) overalls that they weren't dressed appropriately.

For a pub!

I told the barman they were being ridiculously snobbish, cancelled my order and left.

Oh ffs. "AIBU to think this vague thing someone said, I don't know exactly what they meant, is appalling? Even though I haven't thought it through, asked them more about, or attempted to find out if it is remotely true?"

What is the point of this thread?

Just out of interest OP, have you been out with him to other places, or is this a very weird way of avoiding going out in public with you (for whatever reason)?

Ha ha the thread in a nutshell grockle.

If it's the Bill's near Covent Garden, the electricians there have just dug a whopping great hole in the road (outside Bill's front door - please use the side entrance) so I image they might be a bit grubby. Remove overalls, have a wipe down with a wet wipe before venturing in?

Sorry, but this is fucking hilarious. Did he/you really think that there is a doorman or waiter or something asking all the customers what job they do then carefully checking it against the list of acceptable roles before allowing them in?

Well, yeah, some places have dress codes. They wouldn't let a woman in muddy clothes in either I expect.

Has he actually been refused entry or is this some urban myth he's been sold by some lower class scamps, a bit like sending someone out for tartan paint?

DP (tree surgeon) he's always trying his luck in pubs and cafés and getting turned away because he's covered in sawdust.

Costa and supermarket cafés is about it if he wants to eat. I don't think it's because he's a 'working man'

Where's my bingo card? I like how you felt you needed to assure us your date has a degree and is well-spoken before you said that "he works as an electrician".

I share your pain. Bars in my town don't let you in if you're wearing trainers. Discrimination against athletes!

I love Bills, but it's never struck me as being the sort of place with a dress code. I quite often go there straight from work, so obviously am in my work clothes (smart skirt, blouse, heels) and have never been refused entry because I'm employed

As pp have said, it's clearly to do with overalls, dirty boots etc rather than not letting in us working folk.

Lol Worra

Very funny thread.

I have never been to a Bill's. But now I really want to stride in - in hard hat and hi-vis - singing Dolly Parton 'working nine to five' and see what happens...

Before this thread I'd never heard of Bill's

Does this qualify me to be a High Court judge?

Me neither limited. I've now looked them up and really want to go, but my nearest one is 30 miles away.

I do have a full complement of PPE and some of it might even be clean enough to be allowed entry wearing it.

Bill's food is quite nice but very overpriced for what it is, you're not missing much!

Totally agree Ted. And such small portions.

Maybe he's a cheapskate.

If you weren't covered in mud and dust, how would they know you were a "working man"?

Bill's is so wanky and middle class I am surprised that 'working men' (are they like working girls?) would even want to go in - what for an overpriced roulade of celeriac or something? I don't think so!