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The Links Bans Children - Tracey H (7th May 2004 - 21:13:36) I took a friend and her daughter for lunch at The Links last week. When we arrived, a new note had been put on the door saying that children under 14 are no longer allowed inside 'unless by prior arrangement'. So, now, the only places we can go as a family to the pub are the Anchor (hmmmm) and the Green Dragon (probably better now that it has changed hands), as the Deers Hut is also out of bounds. Surely the Links could at least spare a corner of their vast area for family eating?

Re: The Links Bans Children - Freddie Dawkins (8th May 2004 - 11:58:49) Tracey - On one of my very rare visits to The Anchor last night, the music in there was terrible. Kind of hip-hop/gangsta mix. Yuk. Deafeninnnnng gggggggg. Freddie

Re: The Links Bans Children - Mike Grimes (9th May 2004 - 00:51:34) I'm disappointed that the Links no longer serves children - the skin was so thin and crispy. I learnt today that the Old Thorns does a Sunday carvery and under fives eat free. Great, my youngest is five next week. I am also assured by Allan that the Black Fox will welcome well behaved adults (as well as children) but my four year old did have to pay for her lunch - enjoyed it though (and it wasn't turkey dinosaurs).

Re: The Links Bans Children - Paul Robinson (9th May 2004 - 17:57:47) How long did she have to wait for her food? On past reports it would seem that children are likely to pass through puberty before the food arrives!

Re: The Links Bans Children - Allan (10th May 2004 - 16:55:55) Aah,the "Born to Queue" Mr Robinson. Mike's charming daughter may actually be collecting her pension before you get served at The Black Fox!. I've kept a dignified silence on your post about your visit Sat 3rd April. I think Steve summed things up well enough, so no need for further comment. But, you apparantly did not get the essence of what he was trying to tell you.So let me see if I can illucidate in not too many big words:- Anyone who goes to what is a normally busy restaurant at 7.40pm on a Saturday evening without booking is either a fool or an optimist [or a combination of both]. Customers who book are given priority over those who do not.No point in booking othrwise, is there?. My policy is to accept only the number of bookings we can service and service well. That essential to protect the interests of those who trouble to book. This practice has served me well over the last 11+ years. I see no reason to upset my existing clientele by changing. I concede that one mistake was made with you on the night; the "lady behind the bar" allowed you to pressurise her into taking a food order off you.This should not have happened as it unreasonably raised your expectations .Your food order should not have been taken until we were able to fulfill it. Finally, I refer you back to para. 2 of this post. Reason?. Not because you've had a pop at me or my establishment. That's o.k., even if I consider your comments unfair, but, before you left you were so unnecessarily rude to the "Girl behind the bar".[She didn't say--- another party of four-- booked-- did.they said almost to the point of tears.They were quite appalled by the nastiness of what you said to her]. That, I will not tolerate. Finish. [Sorry. I forgot to mention that everyone thought that Mrs. Robinson was very nice.] TRACY H. You and your children are most welcome at the Black Fox--- as long as you don't wish to bring Paul Robinson with you!.

Re: The Links Bans Children - Paul Robinson (10th May 2004 - 19:27:49) I am sorry if you have taken offence at the comments I made about the service in your establishment especially as they seem to be at odds with your account of our visit. I would refer you to your earlier post to 'Organic Food at Black Fox' thread when you said "booking is not always necessary but always appreciated" Far from pressurising staff to take an order (How is that done by the way?) We placed an order having been told that we would be unlikely to be seated until 9.00 which we accepted. Imposing a ban under these circumstances is only effective if the other party particularly wants to revisit the Black Fox. I will leave you to be the judge of that.

Re: The Links Bans Children - Barry (20th May 2004 - 11:48:44) I found the waitresses at the Links to be very rude,also had to wait a very long time before our order arrived and then had to go and find our waitress to get another drinks order and get the bill at the end will never go there again,the food wasn't even that good really,had far better

Re: The Links Bans Children - Barry (20th May 2004 - 18:15:31) for Allen, Who owns the Black Fox? Is it Deborah Steele and Jonathan Powell? cheers Barry

Re: The Links Bans Children - Allan (23rd May 2004 - 11:27:48) Barry, Funny you should ask, a lady 'phoned me on Thurs evening and asked the same question. Why she wanted to know she wouldn't tell me; just curious she said. Anyway, I trust you are refering to the taxidermed remains of that poor unfortunate creature residing in a glass case at the south end of my bar.The answer is not clear,I'm afraid. But, if you think you know, let me into it. Cheers Allan. P.S. Isn't Jonathan Powell an advisor to Tony Bliar?.

Re: The Links Bans Children - Alex Cameron (30th May 2004 - 16:53:26) Allan - I'd love to know what Paul said ;) Was it really that bad that they were "appalled at the nastiness"? I feel obliged to stick up for the Links in this thread - anyone poking a stick at my local is just asking for it.... What's so bad about a pub putting in a policy about children? It isn't a doctor's waiting room - its a pub for god's sake. They have no obligation to cater for them, the problems of health & safety are increased, it can put off other customers etc etc. Bear in mind that its not a total ban - its just attempting to set the boundaries clearly for everyone. Far from being fascist, its quite sensible, and i'm sure most of the patrons will completely understand. I just wish a few more landlords were as inclined. Debbie needs to be congratulated for whats she's done with that place, not maligned. Any man more concerned with the time to get his bill rather than the simply gorgeous waitresses really needs an examination of some kind...:D) Can anyone else smell that famous parfum 'Eau De Vendetta'????

Re: The Links Bans Children - Jenny (2nd Jun 2004 - 11:27:28) One of the great things about the Links is the very fact that it doesn't have children. So well done Debbie and thank you. If i am going for a night out with my friends down the pub i would like to think that i am going to be able to sit down and chat about what we like without having to be concerned about the 'small ears' sat around us. One of the things that bothers me about many pubs in the area is how many children there are scampering around - pubs are no place for children, its a world for adults to escape all that. I am also aware that this will not be a very popular view with many parents but for all the time i don't have children i will still belive that a pub is no place for a child to be.

Re: The Links Bans Children - tony.pilch (19th Aug 2004 - 21:59:01) It doesnt need to ban adults, it takes too long to get served!! Sir Coming from the North, but with many friends in the South East of England, I decided, with hungry heart and empty belly, to pay a visit to Liphook's Black Fox. On arrival, I was told that although I had not booked, I would be 'fine to get a table witn the hour'. If only. The menu was appealing, the staff helpful - at first. An hour and a half later, no service. Friendly smiles there were many; starters there were few. Two hours later, dry mouths amany, decent service was there ****. It would not be so bad if it appeared that the landlord/manager appeared to be doing any work - apart from working on his thirst, and ordering his staff to do this, that and the other. I'm sorry but, Allan (so they tell me you are called), you have failed to deliver. This northerner will not be returning. Hope you enjoyed your drinks! A hungry (and thirsty) Tony Working on meeting his thirst

Re: The Links Bans Children - Barry (20th Aug 2004 - 10:03:19) Did anyone see the article in the Sun newspaper today pictured with George Best walking out of the Royal Anchor?

Re: The Links Bans Children - Barry (20th Aug 2004 - 12:23:04) To Alex Cameron - Your smartarse comment was not appreciated. 'Any man more concerned with the time to get his bill rather than the simply gorgeous waitresses really needs an examination of some kind...:D) ' Don't know about you but i'm not interested in 16 year old girls my friend,some of the waitresses there couldn't have been older than that. I don't know how old you are but i'm getting this vision of a dirty,lonely old man sitting by himself at the bar every night ....... Maybe i'll visit the Links at some stage,and you could insult me to my face and see what happens,instead of doing it online you coward.

Re: The Links Bans Children - kathryn (20th Aug 2004 - 12:26:58) Read the Sun? In Liphook.............what is the world coming too!!!! I'm just dashing out for my copy now, although Mr Best is in the Links almost every week now (yes drinking large glasses of white wine - some kind punter bought him a double brandy a couple of weeks ago - how thoughtful!) he appeared rather the worse for wear I am afraid, very sad. It's great to see freddie back making useful comments although I thought he would have been able to access the internet on his recent trip away????

Re: The Links Bans Children - lippychick (22nd Aug 2004 - 11:36:59) It is with great disappointment that i read this thread :( As a family we have visited The Links a number of times, generally for family occasions, usually over a sunday lunch. The food is usually (although not universally) good, if pricey. My children (aged 10, 8 and 5) have been taught how to behave when eating out in public, and are certainly not permitted to 'scamper about'. Perhaps a better solution would be to ensure that visitors with children are asked to exercise consideration to other users. I also have been known to frequent The Links in the evening, and wouldn't consider taking them there then, so would it be a sensible compromise to allow kids there at lunchtimes? I have also enjoyed a number of sunday lunches at The Black Fox with my family. Perhaps from now on this will be our only option, although of course it isn't in walking distance from the village, so we will have to go 'designated driver' route. My only additional sugggestion would be to Allan, that maybe he could include childrens menus/portions. That way he can make fullest benefit from the disappointing attitude from The Links. Oh, and by the way, I've always found service to be helpful and friendly at The Black Fox..keep it up :)

Re: The Links Bans Children - lippychick (22nd Aug 2004 - 12:02:20) Can I just add, that the request to Allan in the previous posting was NOT for chicken nuggets and fish fingers, just the same good quality food as the adults get, in smaller sizes for littler tummies. Cheers!

Re: The Links Bans Children - Mike Grimes (22nd Aug 2004 - 23:26:42) Allan will probably confirm this, but the last time I treated my daughter to a Black Fox lunch I ordered a child's portion of something off the full menu. It was not something that comes "one size" like the lamb shank or a T-Bone steak but it was such good value I think I might order a couple of child portions for myself next time. The moral is - if you would like something then ask if it is available, and if it is - then book, none of the posters on this site that have had problems at the Black Fox appear to have done this. Mmm, I wonder if you can get a child size portion of that "smallest pudding in the world" at the Anchor?

Re: The Links Bans Children - Alex Cameron (28th Aug 2004 - 10:33:22) Barry - i guess i'm not coming round to dinner now? Calm down old man. Your image could not have been more wrong - i'm at the age where its still just about acceptable to fancy 16 year old girls. There are more important things in life.

Re: The Links Bans Children - S (31st Aug 2004 - 10:48:46) What? Your in your 50's?

Re: The Links Bans Children - Dova (6th Sep 2004 - 18:53:49) Children are aloud in the restaurant i went there with 4 of my very young cousins the other week and we had a fabulous meal. Children should not be aloud in the pub area. I think debbie made a wise choice here. I don't believe someone waited 2 hours for their meal. I have been there more times than i can count and the service has always been absolutely fantastic. The only time there is a slight delay is very very busy nights such as friday and saturday nights. The staff are very friendly. It has a beautiful restaurant. I can understand if you went there for the first time and didn't recieve great service that you wouldn't want to go again but i can assure you that normally the service really is fantastic. Give it another chance, i really haven't found a place that matches it.

Re: The Links Bans Children - Mike Grimes (6th Sep 2004 - 22:46:33) One thing I have noticed here is that Debbie may well be the bee's knees (although I do think the quality of food at the Links is a lot lower than a year ago), and she may allow children (even if they are aloud) she may even have allowed George Best to sulk in her establishment before he moved on to the Royal Anchor but she has not, as far as I am aware, contributed her opinion to this [community] web site, that has been left to her customers. Even Mr Keith knows where the shift key is now!

Re: The Links Bans Children - Peter Whiteley (29th Jan 2013 - 13:19:49) Please be advised that Whiteleys Family Restaurant accepts and welcomes families with children, has its own kids menu and extensive adult choices, all homemade and even has its own indoor soft play centre which is free of charge to use as long as families eat; ideal age for this is toddler to 7yr olds. Check out www.whiteleysfamilyrestaurant.co.uk 01428 751635. We even do kids birthday parties! We are only two miles up the road from Liphook towards Bordon at Standford GU35 8RA.

Re: The Links Bans Children - P Weyland (29th Jan 2013 - 14:13:41) holy thread resurrection Batman!

Re: The Links Bans Children - tony (29th Jan 2013 - 16:16:22) Any pub that sees fit to ban children in a family friendly village like Liphook is cutting it's own throat in my opinion. Personally I love hearing the laughter of young children and seeing their smiling faces , but I know it so terribly offends some of the more staid personalities. OK, not on a Friday or Saturday night when you want a bit of adult company, but all the time? Sad, if you can't stand kids why live in Liphook?Maybe you'd be happier in a big city? Just a thought. Bye bye Links.

Re: The Links Bans Children - Jane Ives (29th Jan 2013 - 16:25:39) Tony...before you get on your high horse this thread is 9 years old!!! The Links do allow children in now, no problem :-)

Re: The Links Bans Children - Karen (29th Jan 2013 - 16:34:48) Think it is only fair to point out that this thread was started in 2004, some 9 years ago, and that The Links do serve children (and I do not mean on a plate with two veg and gravy). I took mine there recently to have hot chocolate and warm up after sledging. They were warmly welcomed and not frowned at once, even though they were a little loud and over excited from their sledging experience. So perhaps it would have been fairer if Whiteleys had started a new thread and not dredged up ancient history for all of us to read again.

Re: The Links Bans Children - S (29th Jan 2013 - 16:37:27) Bit of a low blow dredging up a 9 year old thread!! I'm sure The Links don't have this policy any more?!! I've definately seen kids in there recently... Actually I have just googled this and their website clearly states 'Families Welcome', so this was obviously a short lived policy.... Also didn't realise they were closed for refurbishment at the moment, and just found a 50% food discount voucher following their grand reopening on the website.... So thanks Peter whiteley!!!

Re: The Links Bans Children - Editor (29th Jan 2013 - 16:41:06) As the Links clearly does allow children "Muddy boots, Children & Dogs All Welcome" It is only fair that this 9 year old thread is put back into the past where it belongs ! Alan

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