Londoners are clashing over babycinos and fine dining after a cafe’s decision to ban children under five.
Customers of The Organic Kitchen at Buckhurst Hill have posted photos this week of an unambiguous sign on the front door of the business reminding parents that young children are unable to enter.
The business owner said the decision came after a countless customers had brought children into the establishment and large prams blocking walkways was a “disaster waiting to happen”, according to The Guardian. According to The Evening Standard she explained: “When you get mums turning up on the doorstep with prams the size of Essex it only takes one or two to have an effect”, saying a small minority had created a health and safety issue in the small place.
The Organic Kitchen is located next door to a pre-school and has a number of school campuses a few blocks away. The news of the ban has sparked online feuds between customers, with some grateful for some peace and quiet in the café, while others promised to instead give their custom to coffee chain Costa, which is located blocks from the shop, claiming that business had more respect for families.
The saga quickly led to fights over out-of-control parenting, with several punters expressing relief that a business had the bravery to stop young families from ruining the enjoyment of a space for others.
The business hasn’t been in the area long; according to Facebook, it only officially opened at the start of September.