Kids. What is or isn't acceptable behaviour (from their parents mostly) is a regular thing which comes up in pubs, and ones as busy as we are at the Alex feel it more than most.
Here are my thoughts on it, the mantra I try and live by. I think this is reasonable and sensible, although sometimes some parents don't agree.
SAFETY.
I'd quite like it if your child was safe while they are in the Alex. As such, I'd much prefer it if they stayed at your table, with you. That means I don't think it's OK if they take the fire guard away from the fire to get a closer look (I kid you not), I don't think it's OK if they sprint around the pub (up and down stairs) to show you how fast a runner they are, and I don't think it's OK if they wander into a separate bar from where you are sitting (we have four bars at the Alex, all with doors out onto the street). Also, I don't think it's OK for them to climb up the walls or things which are attached to them, nor do I ever want to hear the scream of a child who has run into a teapot carrying server and got it spilt down their back. So call me a stickler, but I'd quite like them not to smash their face in when they fall over, not to get burnt by hot drinks, not to walk out of the door and get run over by a truck, and I'd also quite like it if they left with the person who actually brought them in.
OTHER CUSTOMERS.
By and large (and this is in my humble opinion, formed after 20 odd years in the trade), people come into the pub to chill out with their friends, their family, or by themselves. Usually, customers quite like it if they can stay in their own little circle of people (or by themselves). As such, they aren't normally overly receptive to other peoples children (or indeed anyone they don't know) bothering them at their table. Equally, people screaming and shouting at the top of their voices (however old they are) isn't usually what is needed for a relaxing environment. As such, in my opinion ( I wouldn't say this to you but it is my opinion anyway) an emergency dummy might be in order if your child is prone to sudden outbursts of high pitched screeching. Unreasonable? Perhaps, but check out the packed pub which has only three empty tables, all of which are next to yours and all of which have been vacated by people now sitting as far away as they can get.
PROPERTY
It's really not OK for your child to draw on the tables in the pub with felt tip pens. Why do I mention it? I'm really not kidding, I've had to explain it to two separate families in the last 18 months. I don't mind picking up all the stuff which gets thrown on the floor, but damaging tables so I've got to sand them and re-polish them after you've left isn't cool.
So there you have it. My kind of wishlist if you choose to bring your children into the Alex for a bite to eat. Sorry if you don't agree, but please be assured that if I ask you to make sure little Johnny doesn't play in the fire or sprint up and down wooden steps, I aren't being difficult for the sake of it, I've actually got his best interests at heart.
