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Original poster

Taking kids into adult caffe at leisure centre

153 replies

mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:36

I've recently joined a huge gym/ leisure centre.

There is an area for kids, with tables and games etc.

There is only one caffe and today I took my DC there.

I have never seen other kids in the caffe. It's like they only hang out in the kids room with their parents.

I felt like I had a few looks. My toddler kicked off after a while and I left immediately, as not to disturb people. Normal procedure.

Kids are definitely allowed in the caffe. I find it a bit sad and telling of our society that other parents don't seem to take their kids in the caffe. Kids are part of life.

Would you just stay in the kid area ? Do you think it's rude to take your kids to the caffe ?

OP posts:
Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:37

My title is a bit dumb. I just meant, taking Kids into caffe at leisure centre.

OP posts:
Blowyourowntrumpet · 17/08/2022 21:39

As you left when yourtoddler kicked off, I think it's fine. Not trying to be arsey, but it's café, not caffe though.

FionnulaTheCooler · 17/08/2022 21:40

If I wanted a drink or food then yes I'd take them in there. It's a leisure centre cafe, not somewhere you wouldn't routinely expect to see parents and children.

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:41

Blowyourowntrumpet · 17/08/2022 21:39

As you left when yourtoddler kicked off, I think it's fine. Not trying to be arsey, but it's café, not caffe though.

Haha that's fine ! My phone is being weird and was trying to spell it caffe with the accent. I don't know what's happening with my keyboard !

OP posts:
Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:41

FionnulaTheCooler · 17/08/2022 21:40

If I wanted a drink or food then yes I'd take them in there. It's a leisure centre cafe, not somewhere you wouldn't routinely expect to see parents and children.

I just haven't seen any kids there !

OP posts:
ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 17/08/2022 21:43

I fucking hate the gym.
I do, fucking hate the bastard place.
But, it gets me away from my kids for me time, peace, quiet, child free,
If there’s a kid bit, I can’t tell you how much I’d appreciate you taking your kids there.
That said, I probably wouldn’t notice if you brought your kids in, unless they were running around madly or screaming the place down.

Hellocatshome · 17/08/2022 21:49

Is this a posh gym like David Lloyd etc? Because I'm trying to imagine a local leisure centre with an adult only cafe and failing.

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:50

Hellocatshome · 17/08/2022 21:49

Is this a posh gym like David Lloyd etc? Because I'm trying to imagine a local leisure centre with an adult only cafe and failing.

Yes Posh gym

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 17/08/2022 22:02

I find it a bit sad and telling of our society that other parents don't seem to take their kids in the caffe. Kids are part of life.

Trying to get half an hour's peace and quiet away from your kids is also part of life!

Hellocatshome · 17/08/2022 22:22

mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 21:50

Yes Posh gym

Show quote history

Posh gym is the answer. People have spent a lot of money to have a relaxing gym/swim. If they wanted to be surrounded by children they would have gone to the council leisure centre. I bet if you took your toddler there no one would bat an eyelid even if they started having a moment.

Kite22 · 17/08/2022 22:26

What @Hellocatshome said

Hankunamatata · 17/08/2022 22:28

Posh gym. I go for peace and coffee after.

rainylake · 17/08/2022 22:29

You say kids are definitely allowed in the cafe, so in that case it isn't an adult only cafe, and you did nothing wrong in bringing them.

If it is an actually an adult only cafe (in which case I'd expect a sign saying that) then obviously you shouldn't take them.

luxxlisbon · 17/08/2022 22:31

I find it a bit sad and telling of our society that other parents don't seem to take their kids in the caffe. Kids are part of life.

I don’t think it says anything about society other than people don’t regularly take their kids to a posh gym and then to the cafe after.
If you find it sad going somewhere with no kids then go to a leisure centre or soft play next time.

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:33

Kite22 · 17/08/2022 22:26

What @Hellocatshome said

Yeah I don't think that kind of attitude is cool. I also pay a lot of money to go there. Kids are part of life.

Why do we need to hide them? Fair enough if they're disruptive, you remove them. They're also members and can enjoy the space like everyone else.

OP posts:
Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:34

luxxlisbon · 17/08/2022 22:31

I find it a bit sad and telling of our society that other parents don't seem to take their kids in the caffe. Kids are part of life.

I don’t think it says anything about society other than people don’t regularly take their kids to a posh gym and then to the cafe after.
If you find it sad going somewhere with no kids then go to a leisure centre or soft play next time.

This gym has a crèche and many many many activities for kids...

OP posts:
ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:41

We have a similar set up in my gym, there’s an area with kids play equipment that’s part of the cafe, but quite separate from the main part. As in your case, everyone with kids takes them there, and it’s predominantly only adults in the main area. Yes, kids may be “allowed” in the main area, but it’s courtesy to take them to the bit that’s actually definitely for kids. It’s not like adults are going to sit alone in the kiddy area without kids, that would raise many eyebrows, so it’s fair enough that kids stay in the specially designed area for them, that the gym helpfully provided. Leave the adults who have paid a premium for their membership to their kid free coffees!

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:46

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:41

We have a similar set up in my gym, there’s an area with kids play equipment that’s part of the cafe, but quite separate from the main part. As in your case, everyone with kids takes them there, and it’s predominantly only adults in the main area. Yes, kids may be “allowed” in the main area, but it’s courtesy to take them to the bit that’s actually definitely for kids. It’s not like adults are going to sit alone in the kiddy area without kids, that would raise many eyebrows, so it’s fair enough that kids stay in the specially designed area for them, that the gym helpfully provided. Leave the adults who have paid a premium for their membership to their kid free coffees!

I'll take my kids wherever I like I think !

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ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:46

And tbh, I was really quite grateful to have the kids area of the cafe available when mine were small. They got to enjoy themselves in the soft play, and I didn’t need to worry about them making a bit of noise. But I’ve done my time in the kiddy bit with my toddlers, and I enjoy a kid free half an hour or so in the quiet bit. Even if you remove a screaming kid, you’ve still disturbed the peace, when you really had no need to be there at all.

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:47

I hope you’re not a member at my gym.

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:48

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:46

And tbh, I was really quite grateful to have the kids area of the cafe available when mine were small. They got to enjoy themselves in the soft play, and I didn’t need to worry about them making a bit of noise. But I’ve done my time in the kiddy bit with my toddlers, and I enjoy a kid free half an hour or so in the quiet bit. Even if you remove a screaming kid, you’ve still disturbed the peace, when you really had no need to be there at all.

I did. I needed to get something to eat and drink and can't leave my kid alone in the area. I do disagree. Kids are part of life. If you don't like it, go to a kid free gym / cafe.

OP posts:
Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:48

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:47

I hope you’re not a member at my gym.

Why don't you join a normal gym where no child is allowed ?

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ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:51

Although I may have misunderstood, can you get cafe service in the kiddy bit? If not, then crack on taking your kid into the only cafe. If they wanted parents with kids to stay in the kiddy bit, they need normal cafe service in there too.

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:52

I’m really happy with my gym, it’s got the perfect set up. Parents don’t take their kids into the main quiet part of cafe as they don’t need to.

Original poster
mamasharkdoodoo · 17/08/2022 22:53

ToadiesCouzin · 17/08/2022 22:51

Although I may have misunderstood, can you get cafe service in the kiddy bit? If not, then crack on taking your kid into the only cafe. If they wanted parents with kids to stay in the kiddy bit, they need normal cafe service in there too.

No you can't get Service in the kiddy bit. It's annoying. Otherwise I would probably stay there for convenience anyway. But no. You have to go to the adult area. And once there, I decided to sit down and be there for a few minutes. I've done it a few times and had a really nice time.

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