Hello all! We will be traveling to Edinburgh, Durham, Shrewsbury, Cardiff and London next month with our two young people, 13 and 17. I was hoping they could experience the pubs with us (for food and company only!) but a recently-returning co-worker just informed me that children are not allowed in many of the pubs. Your experience?
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Children can be in Pubs in England as long as the pub obtains a "childrens certificate", which permits them to accomodate children of any age in a pub before 9:00 p.m. if they are accompanied by an adult.
Posted by
OP
Hillsborough, NC, USA
10 posts
Thanks for the information. Do they usually post a sign to that effect, or do we just take our chances wandering in and then perhaps being asked to leave?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Stephen, you might ask the Barman when you first enter, and that way you'll know straightaway what the rules are. It also avoids the "uncomfortable" situation of being informed of the rules after you've ordered a pint.
Most of the Pubs I've visited seem to allow young people. I can't recall the drinking age in the U.K., but your 17-year old might be able to enjoy a pint as well?
Cheers!
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/pubs.htm
More than you probably needed to know about pubs. Have fun.
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
Every pub in London has it's own rules.
Remember that 'Pub' means 'Public House', that is a house that is opened up for the sale of booze. It's stll the landlord or landlady's home and just like your home, visitors have to play by your rules, it's the same in any Pub.
But if you're in London I can heartily recommend 'The Prince of Wales' on Drury Lane. Eddie ( the Landlord ) is always happy to welcome well behaved young 'uns. He's not the only Landlord or Landlady with that point of view.
A simple request at the bar BEFORE the children enter works wonders, also that way if the place looks like it's inhabitted by low lifes you'd rather not let your kids associate with - you can beat a hasty retreat.
Posted by
OP
Hillsborough, NC, USA
10 posts
Lovely comments and tips! Thanks much.
Posted by
near NY, NJ, USA
445 posts
Many pubs have gardens or some kind of outside eating area where there is usually no problem with children. My friends always told me when we went with their children that they were allowed in the garden areas only.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Wow, the pub in Upper Beading served my 14 yr old son a glass of draft with us.
I thought beer was legal for 14-16 yr olds anyways .
Your 17 yr old is most likely quite legal anyways.
Posted by
OP
Hillsborough, NC, USA
10 posts
Lol! Then I will have to watch my son, yes? I like Al (of Nottingham's) suggestion to check before we enter - both to avoid any unpleasantness and because it's very considerate.
Also, the website Claudia posted from the "junior school" is interesting.
Much conflicting information, but it's all good. I'm more comfortable winging it now, with all these ideas. Thanks.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
The drinking age is 18, however - in the UK, if children are allowed in a particular pub, they can have a drink if they are between 14-17 years old, as long as their parents are with them and give the OK to the bartender/waiter. Im sure this is basically for maybe a beer or glass of wine with dinner. I cant imagine anyone letting a teenager that age get hammered!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
No tammi, we did not allow any hammering. One small glass of draft beer . It was something he still talks about.