Key Points
- The Kenton Arms, a popular ‘Scandi pub’ by Victoria Park in Hackney, east London, has introduced a strict no under-18s policy at all hours.
- Previously, the pub allowed children until 5pm provided they were supervised, but unsupervised behaviour led to the full ban announced over the weekend of 21-22 March 2026.
- Owner Egil Johansen, who has run the pub since 2009, cited incidents of children running amok, stressing dogs, disturbing drinkers, and confrontational responses from parents when staff intervened.
- The pub’s Instagram statement emphasised: “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.”
- In November 2025, the pub warned on Instagram that some customers were mistaking it for a “creche,” with the 5pm rule under review at that time.
- The Kenton Arms was voted the Most Loved Pub in London in the Time Out Love London Awards in 2015.
- Johansen told Metro that staff face uncomfortable confrontations: “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 to the policy has been positive from many, with other pub owners seeking advice, according to Johansen.
- The decision aims to maintain a laid-back atmosphere for quality pints in a small, busy venue, as per the pub’s statement.
- Coverage includes Sky News, Mirror, Daily Mail, GB News, and Time Out, sparking divided opinions online.
Hackney (East London Times) March 24, 2026 – The Kenton Arms, a trendy Norwegian-run pub by Victoria Park, has implemented a complete ban on children under 18 following repeated issues with unsupervised minors disturbing patrons and staff.
- Key Points
- Why Did The Kenton Arms Ban Children Completely?
- What Incidents Led to the Kenton Arms’ New Policy?
- How Did Staff Interactions Contribute?
- What Was the Previous Policy at The Kenton Arms?
- Who Is Egil Johansen and What Is The Kenton Arms’ History?
- What Has Been the Reaction to the Child Ban?
- Are Other Pubs Considering Similar Measures?
- What Does the Pub’s Statement Say Exactly?
- Is This Policy Legal in UK Pubs?
- What Does This Mean for Families in Hackney?
The pub, known for its bright yellow exterior and Scandi vibe, announced the policy shift over the weekend via Instagram, ending a previous 5pm curfew for children. Owner Egil Johansen, who has managed the venue since 2009, explained the move stems from children “running amok” and parents failing to supervise them adequately.
Why Did The Kenton Arms Ban Children Completely?
The core reason, as stated in the pub’s Instagram post shared over the weekend, is “unsupervised children running amok and disturbing other drinkers.” The statement clarified:
“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.”
As reported by Time Out London, the pub had trialled a 5pm curfew, but problems persisted despite signage and staff reminders. In a November 2025 Instagram update, covered by Sky News reporter Alistair Grant, the pub noted: “lately, a few have mistaken The Kenton for a creche,” with children allowed until 5pm if under control, but the rule was under review.
Pub owner Egil Johansen elaborated to Metro, as cited in Time Out: “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.” He added:
“It creates an uncomfortable situation for staff, because at the end of the day, we can’t be responsible for other people’s children.”
What Incidents Led to the Kenton Arms’ New Policy?
Specific incidents highlighted by Egil Johansen include children stressing the pub’s dogs and causing chaos in the busy space. According to Sky News, landlord Johansen said customers had treated The Kenton “like a creche,” leading to the 18+ decision announced on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
The Mirror reported that Johansen hit out at “entitled” parents using the pub as a creche, with the ban now strictly limiting entry to over-18s. Daily Mail coverage quoted the pub’s statement:
“After thorough deliberation, we’ve concluded that The Kenton will now operate as an adults-only venue at all times… Ultimately, we cannot assume responsibility for people’s [children].”
GB News noted Johansen fuming:
“‘A few have mistaken The Kenton for a creche,'”
amid ongoing issues despite prior measures.
How Did Staff Interactions Contribute?
Johansen told Metro about confrontations: parents reacting aggressively when politely asked to supervise, putting staff in difficult positions. This HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) concern was key, as unsupervised children posed risks in the packed venue.
What Was the Previous Policy at The Kenton Arms?
Prior to the ban, children were welcome until 5pm if supervised, as clearly advertised. Time Out detailed this curfew, noting it followed earlier complaints but proved insufficient.
Sky News referenced the November Instagram post enforcing this:
“Our policy is simple and well advertised: kids are welcome until 5pm, provided they’re under control. After that, it’s adults only.”
The full ban marks a significant escalation.
Who Is Egil Johansen and What Is The Kenton Arms’ History?
Egil Johansen, a Norwegian, has owned The Kenton Arms since 2009, transforming it into a beloved spot. The pub’s FAQs on its site affirm its drink-focused ethos.
Voted Most Loved Pub in London at the 2015 Time Out Love London Awards, it boasts a bright yellow exterior and Scandi charm near Victoria Park. Johansen’s interview on the Bite Britain podcast highlighted his vision for the Hackney venue.
What Has Been the Reaction to the Child Ban?
Johansen described the response as “amazing” to Time Out, receiving messages from other pub owners facing similar issues and seeking advice on implementing bans. Online opinions are divided, per Daily Mail, with some supporting the safety focus and others criticising.
GB News and Facebook posts show furore, with Johansen’s creche comment resonating widely. Mirror noted backlash from parents but praise for addressing entitlement.
Are Other Pubs Considering Similar Measures?
Yes, as Johansen revealed to Metro via Time Out:
“I have received a lot of messages from other pub owners asking for advice about how this new rule has worked, because they’re considering putting similar measures in place.”
Time Out referenced a Leyton pub’s 2025 curfew after creche-like complaints, positioning Kenton Arms as a pioneer in outright bans.
What Does the Pub’s Statement Say Exactly?
The full Instagram statement, as quoted across outlets:
“This is on account of unsupervised children running amok and disturbing other drinkers… As a small, drink-focused pub, our goal is to provide quality pints and maintain a laid-back atmosphere for all. This decision was not made lightly, but it is the most feasible approach for us to operate the pub safely and support our staff. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
Sky News and Daily Mail echoed:
“The sad end of the story is that we have now decided to become an 18+ only pub.”
Is This Policy Legal in UK Pubs?
UK law permits pubs to set their own entry policies, including age restrictions beyond licensing laws, provided no discrimination under Equality Act 2010. No challenges reported yet, focusing on safety and supervision.
What Does This Mean for Families in Hackney?
Families must seek child-friendly alternatives, as The Kenton Arms prioritises adult punters. Local coverage notes it’s one of the first all-hours bans, potentially influencing east London trends.
