The Kenton in Hackney.
The Kenton, one of Hackney's favourite pubs best recognised for its distinctive yellow exterior, is making waves after announcing its new no-child policy, scrapping its previous 5pm curfew for under-18s.
Why is The Kenton Banning Children?
The Kenton took to Instagram to announce its official ban on children, citing a recurring problem with unsupervised kids disrupting other patrons and creating significant health and safety risks – from running around and nearly tripping adults to poking and bothering dogs.
Owner Egil Johansen, who has been running the pub since 2009 and has a young child himself, spoke to The Metro to clarify that the decision isn’t about disliking children. Instead, he points the finger at parents who aren’t watching their kids, noting: "But when staff approach parents, they’re often met with confrontation, as if we’ve done something wrong. It creates an uncomfortable situation for staff, because at the end of the day, we can’t be responsible for other people’s children."
Can Pubs Legally Ban Kids?
Yes, pub owners have full discretion over whether or not they allow children because as private premises, they can set their own entry rules.
Where is The Kenton?
The Kenton sits on the edge of Victoria Park in Hackney, East London. It's one of the area's most popular green spaces and a natural draw for families. Beloved by the neighbourhood, it has earned majority 5-star reviews on DesignMyNight.
What's Next?
With multiple pub owners reportedly reaching out to Johansen for advice, The Kenton's new policy could signal a bigger change, especially in areas where family-friendly pubs have become more popular.
For now, if you're heading to the Kenton Arms, leave the little ones at home.
