A pub in east London has sparked debate after announcing it will become an adults-only space from 6pm each evening. The decision from William The Fourth in Leyton comes in direct response to customer complaints that the establishment was beginning to feel more like a creche than a traditional pub.
The Backlash That Prompted the Ban
The pub's management made the announcement on its Instagram page, stating the new policy was a result of feedback received over several months. The statement clarified that while the pub aims to be welcoming, there had been occasions where it resembled a creche, with unsupervised children posing potential risks.
This sentiment was echoed in public reviews left on the pub's Google page. One reviewer from earlier this year lamented the presence of badly behaved kids [bouncing] off the walls. Another critic pointed out that the pub had removed a pool table to make space for prams, adding that it no longer feels like a pub, it's now just a kids' club. A third simply stated there were too many kids, it's a pub not a creche.
New Rules for a 'Safe and Enjoyable' Environment
In a detailed social media post, William The Fourth outlined its new approach. To ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for all guests, the pub on Leyton's High Road will enforce the following rules:
- From 6:00 PM onwards, the pub will be an adults-only space.
- Children must remain seated at a table with their parents or guardians and be supervised at all times.
- Running, climbing, or playing inside the pub is prohibited.
- Buggies and prams must be folded and stored safely away from walkways.
The pub, which was taken over by Andy and Steph Solley in June 2025, emphasised that it remains committed to being a family-friendly pub during the daytime. In a conciliatory move, they also announced they will be opening from 3pm from the following week to offer families more daytime hours. The attached Leylow space will remain an adults-only area, aside from baby change access.
A Wider Trend in the Hospitality Industry?
The decision has proven to be controversial, with the pub choosing to turn off comments on its social media post due to the reaction. This policy change also marks a significant shift, as under-18s were previously allowed in the establishment until 8pm.
This move by a London pub to restrict access reflects a broader conversation about the atmosphere in modern pubs. It coincides with other venues implementing unique policies, such as the Alibi bar in Altrincham which recently banned solo drinkers after 9pm for the welfare of its staff.
Under its new leadership, William The Fourth, a pub dating back to 1897, has expanded its offerings to include pizza and hosts evening events like life drawing and pottery workshops, further cementing its evening appeal to an adult clientele.
