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The Roy and its 'well behaved kids'

I thought I would draw attention the the sign that the Roy has in its window. For any Leslieville parents that haven't seen it, I urge you to walk by and read about how "badly behaved children and strollers" are not welcome, since it's an "adult establishment".

Every business owner reserves the right to post such signage, and every parent has the right to choose whether to give their money to businesses like this one. So, I thought it worth posting on the group for you all to decide.

I for one wouldn't dream of setting foot in the Roy -- not when Ceili Cottage, with its down-to-earth authentic Irish atmosphere complete with people that welcome kids, is right down the street. My husband and I, along with my three-year-old, and all of his less than perfect behaviour, will continue to enjoy ourselves at Ceili -- since they treat us like their neighbours and their family.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by kimberley on March 2, 2010 at 8:58pm

I didnt see the sign in the window but rest assured that are absolutely enforcing that policy. I was out with friends on Queen Street looking for a place for lunch. We decided to head in and try a burger at the Roy. We were immediately stopped at the front door and told that they dont allow strollers. I said oh, I would take the baby out and fold the stroller up really small and the guy said no sorry. We were absolutely not welcome. Someday in the future we will have a baby sitter and a few free hours to spend our restaurant dollars and it will NOT be spent at the Roy. That policy sucks and will certainly do some alienating in this neighbourhood.

Permalink Reply by Nolin (Admin) on March 2, 2010 at 9:32pm

We were told the same. No room for babies or strollers.

kimberley said:

I didnt see the sign in the window but rest assured that are absolutely enforcing that policy. I was out with friends on Queen Street looking for a place for lunch. We decided to head in and try a burger at the Roy. We were immediately stopped at the front door and told that they dont allow strollers. I said oh, I would take the baby out and fold the stroller up really small and the guy said no sorry. We were absolutely not welcome. Someday in the future we will have a baby sitter and a few free hours to spend our restaurant dollars and it will NOT be spent at the Roy. That policy sucks and will certainly do some alienating in this neighbourhood.

Permalink Reply by Jen C on March 2, 2010 at 9:36pm

As a childless resident of Leslieville (and at great risk of being flamed), I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing if there is one establishment in the neighbourhood that is toddler-free.

Permalink Reply by Nancy on March 2, 2010 at 9:42pm

I read this post, and was immediately reminded of the Toronto Life article on Pulp Kitchen a few years ago.... maybe someone should take a pic of the Roy's sign and send it off to Toronto Life for round 2!

Permalink Reply by Kalli Roger on March 2, 2010 at 11:27pm

We got this vibe long before any sign went up. As Logan Ave. residents, when they opened up we were delited to have, what we thought was a casual pub to go for a weekday family dinner.

We took our then 18 month old daughter there for an early dinner and was immediatly put off by the couple in the booth in the back making out like it was a hotel room and by the white shirts being annoyed that our daughter was walking to and from the bathroom.

Our waiter didn't want us there, it was obvious. We left vowing not to return and we haven't- not for 6 mos now. Steve at Joy and Kevin at Barrio not only have welcomed us since before we were parents, but are even more happy that we now come as a threesome.

I'll give money to people and places that appricate my business. And while true, The Roy does infact have the right to post this sign, they obviously didn't really look very closely at theier local demographic when choosing thier location. We'll see how long they last.

Permalink Reply by April Cook on March 2, 2010 at 11:57pm

I agree Michelle! I read the sign the other day and thought it was totally uncool. This is Leslieville! Where every other person owns a stroller...no? Anyways, on our night out (this weekend right?) we will go elsewhere.

Permalink Reply by blamb on March 3, 2010 at 2:25am

... as timely as today's headlines:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/02/brooklyn.babies.in.bars/index....

Permalink Reply by Laura Rey on March 3, 2010 at 7:41am

You know....I never take my badly behaved stroller anywhere. :)

Seriously, while I wouldn't choose to have such a policy if I ran a restaurant/bar, it really is a diverse neighborhood and some of the establishments are tiny. It really is hard to get strollers into them.

It just isn't necessary for every establishment in our neighborhood to cater to parents and children. Let's not revisit the stroller wars.

Permalink Reply by Laura Rey on March 3, 2010 at 7:42am

I've got an eleven month old, and I agree with you. Not every place needs to accommodate toddlers.

Jen C said:

As a childless resident of Leslieville (and at great risk of being flamed), I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing if there is one establishment in the neighbourhood that is toddler-free.

Permalink Reply by Raven on March 3, 2010 at 9:25am

I guess as far they're concerned, since kids don't drink alcohol, they're not welcome there?

Permalink Reply by Lori Hill on March 3, 2010 at 9:40am

I am the parent of a 4 month old and a huge fan of The Roy. We took our daughter to The Roy in her car seat a few times during her first few weeks of life - when she was easily stowed on a chair and didn't make a noise the entire time she was there. The owners and staff were very accommodating and friendly. We didn't go on a Saturday night - we went midweek when the pub was quiet and we wouldn't be monopolizing space.

Now that our daughter is a older and less likely to sit quietly in her car seat for prolonged periods of time, we visit The Roy only when we can secure a babysitter for the evening. When we are able to manage an evening out without the baby, the last place we want to go is somewhere where there are children.

Personally, I think it is entirely appropriate for a pub with limited space to specify adults and 'well behaved children' only. And I don't think it is necessary for people to "ban" The Roy because of this policy - just enjoy the pub when the kids are not in tow.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Cliffe on March 3, 2010 at 9:51am

I think it's important to point out that the Roy is not just a place to drink. It got its licence because it is a pub in which meals are served. I'm sure the number of parents who'd like to take kids to the bar for a round is low. I, for one, would not take my son to the Curzon -- it's a bar. But, to claim to be a traditional Irish pub and not welcome children seems rather odd. My husband is Irish and had many a family meal at the local pub in Ireland.

The phrase 'well behaved' is rather subjective. I'm sure that many of their adults patrons are far less behaved than any child would be. I wonder what would happen if they posted a sign saying that only 'well behaved' adults were welcome. :) To be turned away for lunch or an early dinner, or to be given a frosty reception by a server is just bad business.

As I said in my original post, the Roy has the right to post the sign (although I'm not sure if it's legal). But, words are powerful and how you deliver them can change so many, many things.