M&B investigates family 'unfriendly' pub

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) is investigating one of its Hampshire pubs that allegedly forced a group of mothers and babies to leave.

Four mothers and their babies, aged between 12 and 15 weeks, visited the Cowherds in Southampton for lunch but claimed they were told to leave the venue because they had the children with them.

Lucy Sloam told the Daily Echo they were asked to go because the licensee could not cope with "women, babies and their emotions".

She claimed that a manager even offered to reimburse them for their drinks so that they would leave more quickly, before escorting them down the fire escape.

An M&B area manager is looking into the incident and the company is trying to contact the customers involved.

A spokesman said: "The Cowherds prides itself on being a family-friendly pub which caters for families with young children by providing baby changing facilities and booster seats. Our team will always do their best to assist customers with young children.

"We're disappointed to hear that a group of customers are dissatisfied with the service they received and we will contact them personally to ensure this matter is properly investigated and resolved."