Tea shop in London divides opinion with ‘no children’ policy

HerFamily

A café in London has divided opinion with its so-called ‘no children’ policy.

The Irish Mirror reports that Treacles Tea Shop has been inundated with comments after its staff allegedly told some kids off for touching objects in the store.

Its owner, Eileen Potter, is also quoted by the Evening Standard as saying: “I just don’t want my fixtures and fittings broken. It’s not aimed at families; we are not a family establishment.”

Posted by Treacles Tea Shop, Winchmore Hill on Thursday, 18 June 2009

A number of people have voiced their opinions on the café’s Facebook page but it’s not all negative.

Billy Westley said that he would definitely not be stopping by for a cuppa and slice of cake : “No Chance, not with your kid policy. We have 2 kids, 7 and 2 years old, Shall we just leave them all in the car? Would that be your advice.”

Ryan Day echoed his sentiments, commenting: “The owner has clearly alienated ALL CHILDREN with her pathetic and snobbish attitude !!!! She has tarred all children with the same brush, Not all kids are rude,mannerless brats !!! Did she never touch something she wasn’t meant to as a child ? Did she never backchat her parents ? Did she not run around when she went out somewhere ? None are perfect and she would do well to remember that !!”

Posted by Treacles Tea Shop, Winchmore Hill on Thursday, 18 June 2009

Rob Boylan however is in support of the policy, arguing: “Why should there not be a ”No Kids” policy? It’s the owners business and she can decide who she wants in her establishment. She has stated her reasons for making it a ”No family” cafe. Would you pay for an expensive broken piece that your child had damaged? I thought not. There are plenty of child-friendly cafes around. Just once in a while we who don’t have kids might want some adult time.”

Annette Ostermeier is also happy about the decision, writing: “I’ll drop in next time I’m in London! A place where a grown up person is allowed to have a nice cup of tea in peace! Sounds like heaven!”

As for Racquel Smith, she suspects that the whole thing is a PR stunt, saying: “Not sure if this is also partly a PR stunt by the owner, either way the recent publicity surrounding this place and various comments from customers saying how rude the owner is have put me off going….no matter how nice the cakes look!”

While we wouldn’t be surprised if this was the case, it’s not the first time the owner of such an establishment has made their thoughts about kids known (remember THIS).