Key Points
- The Kenton pub in Homerton, Hackney, has implemented a complete ban on children under 18, following previous allowance until 17:00 or 5pm.
- The decision stems from incidents of unsupervised children running around, bumping into people, falling over, jumping off furniture, especially in the beer garden, and disturbing other customers.
- The pub shifted from a family-friendly venue when its kitchen was converted into a karaoke booth in 2022, changing its overall culture.
- General manager Morgan Ryan highlighted that the pub is not designed or child-proofed for families, noting challenges for parents containing hyperactive children.
- Owner Egil Yohanssen (also spelled Johansen), who has run the pub for 17 years since 2009, emphasised the issue is lack of supervision, not children themselves; he has an eight-year-old child and loves children.
- Yohanssen told Sky News that “entitled parents” show a “lack of understanding that when you are in a public space, like in a pub, you need to look after your children.”
- The pub’s Instagram statement clarified: “This is on account of unsupervised children running amok and disturbing other drinkers… This is not about having a problem with children. The issue is when they are not supervised properly, disturb others and have a HSE impact on customers and staff.”
- Staff report positive feedback from regulars but surprise at the online debate’s scale.
- The pub has also banned dogs after 18:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, which has prompted more pushback than the child policy.
- Yohanssen spoke to Metro, as reported by Leonie Cooper of Time Out, about confrontations when staff ask parents to supervise: “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.”
- Reaction has been “amazing,” with other pub owners seeking advice on similar measures.
- In November, the pub posted on Instagram that “lately, a few have mistaken The Kenton for a creche,” with the rule under review, leading to the full ban announced on Sunday.
- The Kenton was voted the Most Loved Pub in London in the Time Out Love London Awards in 2015.
- Under the Licensing Act 2003, pubs in England must protect children from harm, but landlords have discretion for house rules.
- Ash Corbett-Collin, chair of CAMRA, told BBC that it’s essential for pub owners to have the option to exclude children if not suitable.
- Similar issues noted elsewhere: a Leyton pub added a curfew last year after resembling a creche; broader trend of landlords acting on unruly behaviour, safety, and lost trade.
Homerton, Hackney (East London Times) March 28, 2026 – The Kenton pub in Homerton has sparked widespread online debate after implementing a strict no-children policy, citing repeated incidents of unsupervised youngsters disrupting patrons and posing safety risks.
Previously more family-friendly during its hot food service days, the venue transformed in 2022 when the kitchen became a karaoke booth, shifting its atmosphere towards adults. General manager Morgan Ryan explained the challenges:
“You’d have incidents where children would just be running ragged around the corners, bumping into people, falling over, jumping off furniture, particularly out in the beer garden.”
Owner Egil Yohanssen, who has managed the pub for 17 years, stressed this is about parental responsibility, not antipathy towards children.
Why Did The Kenton Ban Children?
The policy evolved from a 17:00 or 5pm curfew to a full under-18s ban, announced over the weekend via Instagram. As per the pub’s statement, as reported across multiple outlets,
“This is on account of unsupervised children running amok and disturbing other drinkers.”
Yohanssen, speaking to Sky News, attributed this to “entitled parents” with a
“lack of understanding that when you are in a public space, like in a pub, you need to look after your children.”
Leonie Cooper of Time Out detailed Yohanssen’s comments to Metro:
“Another issue is when staff politely ask parents to supervise their children. 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.”
Ryan added that the pub
“simply was not designed with families in mind”
and lacks child-proofing, making it hard for parents to manage hyperactive children on busy afternoons.
Yohanssen reflected to The Guardian:
“It felt like the wild west. If you could spare an hour, I could share numerous incidents,”
appearing drained by the recollections. The November Instagram post warned: “Lately, a few have mistaken The Kenton for a creche,” signalling the review that culminated in the “sad end” of becoming an 18+ only venue.
What Changed at The Kenton in 2022?
The pivotal shift occurred when the kitchen closed for hot food and reopened as a karaoke booth, altering the pub’s family-oriented culture. This made The Kenton, a Norwegian-run ‘Scandi pub’ with its iconic bright yellow exterior near Victoria Park, less suitable for children. Once voted the Most Loved Pub in London at the 2015 Time Out Love London Awards, it now prioritises adult drinkers.
Ryan noted to BBC reporters:
“I understand from a parent’s point of view how difficult it is to try and contain a bunch of hyperactive children on a Saturday afternoon, but the reality is that the place isn’t child-proofed.”
This cultural pivot, combined with rising unsupervised behaviour, necessitated the ban.
Is the Child Ban Legal in English Pubs?
England’s Licensing Act 2003 mandates protection of children from harm while granting landlords discretion over house rules. Children are generally permitted if supervised and not consuming alcohol, but venues can impose restrictions. Ash Corbett-Collin, chair of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), affirmed to BBC:
“It’s essential for pub owners to have that option. Many local pubs are happy to accommodate kids. It’s also perfectly acceptable for pub owners to state that their venue isn’t suitable for children; that simply isn’t the clientele they’re aiming for, and they may not have the capacity to cater to them.”
The Morning Advertiser reported The Kenton, a former GBPA finalist, raised concerns over supervision levels needed for under-18s. This aligns with legal flexibility allowing such policies.
What Reactions Has the Policy Received?
Regulars have largely welcomed the change, but staff are surprised by the online furore. Yohanssen described the response as “amazing,” receiving messages from fellow owners facing similar issues and seeking advice. The Times noted the “nuclear approach” banning all under-18s due to “unruly” behaviour, referencing prior cases.
The Telegraph highlighted Yohanssen blaming “entitled” parents after the crèche-like complaints. Pushback exists, yet positive sentiment dominates among supporters. Facebook groups echoed approval, with one post stating “Good for him” on the restriction.
Has The Kenton Banned Dogs Too?
In addition to children, The Kenton now bans dogs after 18:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, a rule generating more backlash than the child policy. Staff report this has drawn stronger opposition from patrons.
What Do Other Pubs Say About Children?
Yohanssen noted many peers are considering similar steps amid shared challenges. A Leyton pub introduced a curfew last year after creche complaints.
The Guardian explored broader trends: unruly behaviour, safety concerns, and lost trade prompt landlords to act, though some argue pubs should welcome all. CAMRA’s Corbett-Collin praised the cultural shift making child-friendly pubs viable but supports choice.
Sky News quoted Yohanssen on customers treating the pub like a creche, stressing dogs stressed by children and confrontations. Time Out positioned The Kenton as pioneering with its outright ban.
Who Runs The Kenton Pub?
Egil Yohanssen (Johansen), owner since 2009, has an eight-year-old child and clarified: “I have a child myself… and we love children. This whole becoming an adult pub has nothing to do with the children themselves, it is more about the lack of supervision.” General manager Morgan Ryan manages daily operations. The vibrant Homerton venue remains a Hackney staple despite the controversy.
