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More questions--pubs and kids in London/England generally

Posted by (Nova Scotia, Canada) on

Again, thanks for your generous and congenial advice. Which only encourages me! ;-)

Are children welcome in pubs in London and the rest of England? I know that will be, at best, a qualified answer!

We are quite familiar with the Irish pub, and we know that kids are welcome in most establishments through early evening. We are talking pubs that serve food, for the most part. We will be travelling with a 14 year old and a 12 year old.

I see that London seems to have a broader selection of reasonably-priced family-appropriate restaurants now than it did on our previous trips (15+ years ago), when "pub grub" was our best budget meal option. However, we do enjoy a good pint--and it'd be sad to go to England and not enjoy a few!

Are we going to be comfortable and welcome in pubs, with the same provisos that would govern us in Irish pubs? (Earlier in the day, and not serious drinking establishments!)

Also my husband has found a couple of "destination" pubs he'd like to try--the Museum Tavern, and the Princess Louise, near(ish) to the British Museum. If you have particular thoughts on those, I'd be interested, or any other worthy places relatively near the major sites.

Posted by
9110 posts

If a kid's accompanied by an adult the law lets them in. Owners may restrict them to specific areas or bar them completely. There'll be signs.

Posted by
5466 posts

Yes things have changed significantly in 15 years. The majority of changes happened in 2003. Children are
now allowed to enter a pub unless it has a particular licence condition which says children are not to be permitted, which in general will be for establishments geared 'primarily or exclusively' for the supply and consumption of alcohol on the premises when children need to be at least 16.

It is not unusual in multi-room pubs for under 18s to only be allowed in specified rooms.

Children need to be at least 16 to consume alcohol, and then only beer, wine or cider with a meal.

Posted by
98 posts

First change to report from 15 years ago is that no-one can smoke legally in pubs and this is almost universally adhered to.
Pubs have a tendency these days to go beyond "pub grub". This can be a good thing although some gastro pubs show more flair in design than food. The Good Pub Guide is a respected source for identifying quality pubs and describing their character. I think most pubs will be very welcoming to teenagers if accompanied by well behaved adults.
I think London has more "drinkers' pubs" than other parts of England where drink drive laws mean they have to make food a big part of their offer. That being said I think the after work drinkers' dives in central London are fairly easily spotted.

Posted by
920 posts

Enjoyed the fish and chips at Golden Union. Not a pub and not a traditional chippy per se, but they have take out or sit-down. Decent quality fish and fries. Your children (and you :) might like it for lunch or dinner one day.

http://www.goldenunion.co.uk/

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