The Burns Hotel — Restaurant in England

Nice enough however, as I was on my phone working on work related emails and logistics of my upcoming work in the area, I was told I can't use my phone. The lady said, and then I saw the signs, that it is to encourage drink and conversation. I get the concept of this Samuel Smiths pub policy but; I was on my own!!! I was not going to speak with myself, or anyone else. I wasn't speaking on the phone, not playing games nor playing music, just quietly minding my own business and planning the logistics of my work over the next couple of days. The lady was adamant that she won't allow me to continue despite me explaining the above. Can't some pragmatism, or a sensible approach, be exercised in the managing of this policy? I'll not be using this bar again when I'm in the area with work, shame but no problem, lots of other wonderful bars to use where I can be left to mind my own business without interruption from curt staff forbidding me to continue. On A final note, before I left, 3 blokes at a table on a phone conversation, which was on speaker, not a word said to them and they were left to continue, other staff...

We Came here today as it was on our travels around York and all we wanted was a pint of coke. They have signs up that says " No children, no mobile phones or any electronics for that matter and no swearing!" I understand the use of language and as a group of 5 we were respectful of this rule. Nevertheless, when we came in we were welcomed by some unwelcoming looks from a women( presuming the owner). Our group are all basically 26 years old and we felt judged for coming to this pub before we even sat down.

Anyway, we go up and grab some drinks and not a single word or smile came from the server. We then head to the table and we basically got stared at for most of the time there. Our whole group could see her stare at us as if we're up to no good. If i knew we'd be treated like criminals, I definitely would've walked away then and there if i knew this is how it would be . There should be a sign on the door to say " We have a Zero Tolerance for anyone under 30! " Safe to say, We will NEVER be returning...

As soon as you enter you’ll notice big signs saying it’s a “Mobile phone and Laptop free zone” and to talk to your companions instead. This does make this venue somewhat unique!

It’s an interesting idea and I’d say that my work mates and I did have a decent chat without missing our phones very much. A couple of times we accidentally picked up our phones (to find a restaurant for dinner, share some photos of a recent holiday, and to reply to a text) over the hour and a half we were there. Once the barmaid did see us and told us to put our phones away.

We just awkwardly put them away and apologised. I can see if you refused that things could escalate. Overall it was a fun experience and a bit unique in this modern age of always being connected.

Not sure I’d make the experience a regular one but it was certainly fun for...