Who was in the wrong here?

I'm glad people agree with me. I actually find it frustrating the amount of people who seem to think the rules don't apply to them.
There's a park near me with a walled garden and it states clearly that dogs cannot be brought in there. But that doesn't seem to apply to some dog owners.

The quiet carriage rule doesn't apply to some passengers.

The 'no right turn' sign doesn't apply to some drivers, and everyone just has to wait behind them.

I could go on.

the My opinion is that the family should stay downstairs. The management make the rules and if customers don't like it they should leave!

My grandchildren are noisy, messy, and disruptive, I love them dearly but even I don’t like eating out with them.

It may be a rule because the space is too small to accommodate pushchairs and high chairs and possible unruly children running about. My DSs restaurant is over 18s only for exactly that reason

Yes, I agree with the manager, well done to them for enforcing it.

I’m agreeing with the cafe manager

Yes they want back down, looking very disgruntled.

It could be an H&S rule. Kids are more likely to cause problems for cafe staff on the stairs, or even to fall down them. Perhaps the management should include something about that in their notice.

What happened? Did the family go downstairs?

Another one here agreeing with the cafe manager.

The family with the children were totally out of order.

(Legally the cafe isn't even obliged to accept their custom, just as shops aren't obliged to sell to you.)

If a sign says a rule applies, then the rule bloomin' well applies - people (like me) with dogs wouldn't dream of taking them into a cafe/shop/bar etc., that said "No Dogs Allowed"

Personally even though there are individual children whom I like, I generally loathe being in close contact with children: they're usually noisy, disruptive, often smelly and sticky, and it's more and more common for their parent/s to be glued to their mobile and ignoring them instead of teaching them how to behave in public settings.

An over 18 only area would be a haven for me, and I'd take very ill out with entitled ass*oles like the family you encountered.

(Rant over!)

I’m with the cafe owner

The manager has the right to refuse entry and does not need to give a reason, although, in this case, the rules were stated clearly.

Rules is rules! If a premises says so then so be it. Just like women breast feeding in a swimming pool. The pool should simply have a rule - no eating or drinking in the pool area. You can't argue that infants are except as this applies to everyone.

I ,mwith you it's nice to have somewhere quiet to sit .I think it's a well thought idea by the cafe owner.

I’m with you on this one. The proprietor surely has a right to configure their services however they see fit.

I would side with the manager, too many people think rules do not apply to them.