Cafe bans babies after parents let their kids ‘cry and cry’

The suburban cafe in north London’s Epping Forest used to be popular with mums who would stop off to have a babyccinno and a chat.

But now owner Hilary Penning has sparked a middle class war with parents after putting up a sign showing a picture of a baby with a cross through it, and the order: ‘No children under five’.

She said: ‘There’s been far too many instances where mums come in with newborn babies and allow the children to cry and cry.

‘Some parents have come in for up to two hours with their children crying.’

‘It’s been a hard and challenging decision but I think I made the right choice. I cannot allow people to come in expecting to have a great eating experience but have to leave because their lunch or breakfast has been ruined by inconsiderate parents leaving their children to run riot.’

She said a ‘small minority’ of parents let the side down, while others turned up with ‘prams the size of Essex’ which made it difficult for staff to get to the tables.

Karen Sticher drew attention to the policy when she posted on Facebook: ‘Horrified that Buckhurst Hill’s new cafe The Organic Kitchen Ltd, located next to four schools, has decided to discriminate.

She said she wouldn’t be using the cafe in future, adding it was a bad business move: ‘I’d be surprised if the custom it attracts exceeds the custom lost – it’s a family area.’

However, Dave Pallett commented in support, saying: ‘Why is it people never spare a thought for those who want to go out for a meal without having children around? Why is it so politically incorrect to just want some peace and quiet?!’

What say you – Would some baby  free cafes in Qatar be a good idea ?