to expect a "child friendly" pub to provide a highchair

[yogimum]

I took ds 14 months to visit a friend where we normally go to the local pub/restaurant for sunday lunch. Ds ended sitting on dh lap most of the time as they didn't have any high chairs. I approached a member of staff in the begining who said they would provide them at some point but when I spoke to another member of staff she said they were not going to provide them at all but I was welcome to bring my own!! When I said they were not encouraging families to eat there the first member of staff quickly defended their "child friendly policy" as they have a children's menu. Has anybody else come across this? Most places we have taken ds have always had high chairs.

You should have taken your custom elsewhere. Most family-friendly pubs and restaurants would provide highchairs, so you are not unreasonable to expect it, but once it is clear that a highchair is not available, you can't argue one into existence.

Once when dd1 was about 3 months old a very young waitress politely offered me a highchair for her, and I had to explain that a child needs to be able to sit up before they are any use!

It has recently been renovated and changed hands. Its a shame really as its very close to my friends house and the food was really good. I just got the impression they are discouraging people with small children.

Yes, changing hands can mean changing the whole character of the place. I would find somewhere else - vote with your wallet.