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Anubis
Barsoom
231 Posts |
 Posted - 27/10/2007 : 11:58:00
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During the past quarter of a century, one of the regular highlights of our (family) lives has been the occasional, but regular, visits to "Rose Cottage" at nearby Alciston. Always a friendly, homely welcome, always good 'Harvey' beer and always food that gave the impression of basically 'home cooked', tasty and enjoyable ... especially if we managed to get there early enough to grab a table near the open fire; especially if it was cold and wet outside, or thick snow on the ground. Then after the lunch, to wander with the kids through the (largely thatched) village to the churchyard, with the interesting graves, the horses in the surrounding fields and the splendid views of Downs and surrounds.
But, on Wednesday of this week, the dream disappeared, forever. We'd not been there for a year or more (?), but with a daughter visiting, along with son-in-law and the THEIR three kids, aged 6 - 10 years, we rolled into the pub, making our way to the restaurant (assuming with the kids, that would be more appropriate than the favoured bar area). Son-in-law ordered a round of drinks at the bar and, as they were poured, asked for a menu ... enquiring if there were 'cheaper' offerings, price wise, for the children. "Oh, do you have children?", asked the bar maid (forgetting she'd just seen them walk into the restaurant, where there were three other people and probably thirty unoccupied seats), "because we don't serve children here". We mentioned our MANY visits over the years, but she insisted "No children. There's a notice to this effect on the door!" We were all quite incredulous. Was it a joke? No, it was deadly serious. So we left our UNPAID round on the bar and left -- pausing to read the small type-written note pinned to the front door, announcing that dogs were permitted if on a lead, but "no children younger than ten".
In case you are wondering (as I would if I read this posting), well maybe the kids looked a bit disreputable ... son-in-law is Head of a large school in London and I am not speaking as an old, wide eyed grandad when I say the kids in question could not be faulted behaviour-wise. It was a truly stunning experience -- is this a new development in the 'gentrification' of the Sussex countryside which I had just not noticed happening?
In the end, however, the day ended rather better than we had anticipated at Rose Cottage. Back into the car, we drove on to Upper Dicker; there kids were made REALLY welcome and we all ate rather well (and probably for less outlay than we'd have found at Rose Cottage -- but with COMMENSURATE quality food! The pub -- "The Plough" -- if you haven't been there, give it a go ... the "Spitfire" beer is HIGHLY recommended!!!
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Edited by - Anubis on 27/10/2007 12:13:29 |
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Control Panel
Discworld
1161 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 12:06:05
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Has there been a change of hands at Rose Cottage?
Glad that there was enlightenment at Upper Dicker. |
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Miriam Binder
Earthsea
United Kingdom
5259 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 12:14:55
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Another wonderful place would be The Chequers in Slougham ... This segregation of children from the rest of society has to STOP!
Why is it that we accept segregation of children but we would be up in arms if the notice said "No Blacks" "No Muslims" "No women - unless accompanied by a responsible adult"! |
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin |
Edited by - Miriam Binder on 27/10/2007 12:17:25 |
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Daveb
Discworld
1874 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 18:14:40
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| Kids should not be in pubs. |
We're all doomed!
Head for the hills before they start heading for you! |
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Control Panel
Discworld
1161 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 18:30:34
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| It is perfectly all right for kids to be in pubs so long as they take their schoolwork from their satchels and keep quiet while they do their reading and writing. They can be rewarded with a shandy and packet of crisps. |
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Miriam Binder
Earthsea
United Kingdom
5259 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 18:39:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Daveb
Kids should not be in pubs.
Why? |
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin |
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Daveb
Discworld
1874 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 19:17:28
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People go to pubs to enjoy fine ale and escape their own kids.
Not to be bothered by someone elses. |
We're all doomed!
Head for the hills before they start heading for you! |
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Miriam Binder
Earthsea
United Kingdom
5259 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 19:42:00
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Maybe that is what is wrong? Why should people want to 'escape' their children and why should other people's children be a bother?
Actually I've heard this argument many times before and quite frankly I find it a ludicrous argument. We are complaining on the one hand that youngsters do not know how to behave in pubs and on the other, we are not giving them the oportunity of learning how to do so. When my children were small I rarily went out but when I did, it was with my children. Exceptions being when the children were away from home, visiting friends or relations. My children grew up knowing what was acceptable behaviour in restaurants and other places where they either mingled or shared a space with other people. Nor did they grow up thinking that 'getting drunk' was commensurate with being 'grown-up'. |
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin |
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Anubis
Barsoom
231 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 19:43:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Daveb
People go to pubs to enjoy fine ale and escape their own kids.
Not to be bothered by someone elses.
Daveb: I did make it quite clear the kids had gone into the restaurant -- accompanied by parents and grandparents. We hoped to buy them a two course dinner (just as we did at the 'Plough'). Certainly they would not have "disturbed" other customers ... although, having said that, please indicate any local restaurants YOU frequent, Daveb, and we'll ensure we never go there!
Incidentally, if there are any 'normal' people reading this, who sometimes have youngsters in tow, the 'Plough' is a better bet anyway, with easy access to a large garden and playground; far away from any traffic. |
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Daveb
Discworld
1874 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2007 : 19:45:23
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Unfortunately not all parents think or do the same as you or infact me.
Therefore the broadbrush is applied. |
We're all doomed!
Head for the hills before they start heading for you! |
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Horseman7
Barsoom
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 02:17:55
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It is worth remembering that a landlord can choose to serve or eject anyone from his premises.
My daughter visited her first public house aged 4 days and regularly ate in pub restaurants as a child and teenager. However, I didn't expect to be admitted as a right.
The Plough sounds good Anubis. How about a Forum meal there (with children as an optional extra)?
Happy dining. |
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Daveb
Discworld
1874 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 06:38:02
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Originally posted by Horseman7
The Plough sounds good Anubis. How about a Forum meal there (with children as an optional extra)?
Well done with a portion of fries? |
We're all doomed!
Head for the hills before they start heading for you! |
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Borninhove
Calaspia
901 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 09:23:37
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| How long will the 'kid free' rule last, I wonder. You said there were quite a few empty seats there. Perhaps after a while the management will realise this policy is losing income and change it. |
 Valhalla, I am coming! |
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No Expert
Barsoom
393 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 17:39:39
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| It's a pubs right to serve or not serve kids, end of. |
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Infinite Poppadum
Discworld
1227 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 20:36:13
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quote:
Originally posted by No Expert
It's a pubs right to serve or not serve kids, end of.
What is the best way of serving kid? Is is more tender than the full-grown goat? |
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Daveb
Discworld
1874 Posts |
Posted - 29/10/2007 : 20:44:46
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Depends on what you call 'normal' Anubis.
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We're all doomed!
Head for the hills before they start heading for you! |
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long time no see
Earthsea
United Kingdom
6344 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2007 : 06:21:09
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Miriam Binder
Earthsea
United Kingdom
5259 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2007 : 06:44:32
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quote:
Originally posted by long time no see
If in doubt, post a picture ... preferably one that relates, however remotely, to something (anything?) |
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin |
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long time no see
Earthsea
United Kingdom
6344 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2007 : 07:04:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Miriam Binder
If in doubt, post a picture ... preferably one that relates, however remotely, to something (anything?)
Yes it is a Photo.
Again - what is your problem.
And there is No Doubt in that Photo.
A poster can post a Photo
or text. |
Edited by - long time no see on 30/10/2007 07:08:50 |
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Infinite Poppadum
Discworld
1227 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2007 : 09:25:41
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| This is, of course, a picture of a child who has just been told to eat up the Greggs pasty on the plate in front of him otherwise he goes straight to bed. |
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No Expert
Barsoom
393 Posts |
Posted - 30/10/2007 : 12:13:25
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Maybe the kid just saw LT doing a 'Viscount Linley'* on a tramp.
*The name of the Royal blackmail person
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Fluffy Sheep
Discworld
1159 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2007 : 19:53:29
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Back to the topic....we used to take our kids (including fosterlings) to pubs.
Mostly pubs that did food, as they were always ready to eat! Second best was one with swings outside and home-pickled eggs on sale - a bag of salt & vinegar crisps with a pickled egg chucked in was a great favourite.
It was mostly daytime, but evenings too in school hols, or if we were camping there`d be a pub somewhere nearby...
Our older fosterlings had a pretty ropey start, but they too had an innate `sense of occasion`, and never let us down by being rowdy or brawling amongst themselves.
We DIDN`T want to take them to pubs where there were adults drunk and behaving badly.
We DIDN`T want to take them to pubs where they`d be frowned at by snotty-nosed adults just for being kids! I reckon it`s fair enough for a publican who knows he`s got a rowdy house to turn kids away, it`s not the place for them.
But, those like Anubis described, all I can say is how nice that they aren`t doing a brisk trade!
Incidentally,`Rose Cottage` is the euphemistic name by which the Mortuary is known among hospital staff!)
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incidentally `Rose Cottage` is the euphemistic |
Row faster, slaves! Caesar wants to waterski! |
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Infinite Poppadum
Discworld
1227 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2007 : 20:58:55
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posted by Fluffy Sheep
quote:
fosterlings
A new term on me, that! |
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Fluffy Sheep
Discworld
1159 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2007 : 21:04:02
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| Sorry about that gap there. Dunno what happened. |
Row faster, slaves! Caesar wants to waterski! |
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"Rose Cottage" -- end of pleasant memories
