What started as a quiet family lunch to celebrate a birthday quickly became a social media flashpoint.
Alex Edwards, 35, found herself at the center of a heated debate after former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming publicly complained about a “screaming child” in a Kent restaurant.
Edwards, the mother believed to have been the target of Leeming’s remarks, has now responded with a firm defense of her family.
Mother Pushes Back Against Criticism
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Edwards expressed frustration at the public criticism she received.
She pointed out that her three young children were well behaved during a special outing for her husband Taylor’s 35th birthday.
Edwards suggested that if someone dislikes the presence of children, they should choose restaurants without children’s menus rather than publicly shaming parents.
“The idea that we are ‘oblivious parents’ is not only unfair but offensive,” she said.
“We enjoy celebrating together as a family, and the restaurant offers a children’s menu, which clearly indicates children are welcome.”
Leeming Sparks Online Debate
The controversy began after Leeming, 84, shared her dining experience at The Pig at Bridge Place, near Canterbury.
On X, she told her 12,000 followers that her friend’s birthday lunch had been “spoiled by a screaming child” and advised parents: “If you can afford to eat there, get a babysitter!”
She described several children she saw during the visit as disruptive, commenting on staff interactions and suggesting parents seemed unaware of other diners.
“Apart from the nuisance, I wonder how young parents can afford to eat out,” Leeming wrote, prompting strong reactions online.
The Pig Hotel Responds
A spokesperson for The Pig told the Daily Mail that the venue welcomes guests of all ages.
“We go to great lengths to ensure that all of our guests, young and old, are looked after by our wonderful team,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing the restaurant’s family-friendly approach.
Edwards Details Her Visit
Edwards explained that her family’s visit took place on January 23 at a quieter time of day to avoid disturbing other diners.
Their three children, aged six, four, and one, accompanied them.
She described a calm setting with only two other occupied tables, including a couple of elderly women and a middle-aged pair celebrating a birthday.
“I was aware that the two elderly women did not respond to my children in the usual way,” Edwards said, “but nothing was said to us directly.
If anyone feels uncomfortable with our children, I encourage them to speak to us or to staff so the situation can be handled appropriately.”
Responding to Online Backlash
Edwards expressed disappointment over the negative comments on social media, some of which labeled her children “brats” or suggested the family should stick to fast-food restaurants.
“Children don’t magically learn how to behave in social settings—they learn by being included in them,” she said, stressing that her children are well-mannered and accustomed to dining out, even at places like The Ivy in Covent Garden.
She praised the staff at The Pig for their attentiveness, noting that her eldest child enjoys interacting with the staff and even helps order for his younger siblings.
“We choose restaurants with kids’ menus deliberately, and my children behave appropriately,” Edwards added.
Leeming’s Continued Commentary
Leeming continued to post about the incident, defending her perspective and noting that most online responses agreed with her. She acknowledged that children can’t legally be banned from restaurants, and suggested that diners either accept children’s presence or choose different venues.
The Pig Hotels and Their Legacy
The Pig at Bridge Place is part of a chain with ten venues across the UK, including locations in the Cotswolds, New Forest, Hampshire, and Cornwall.
Known for laid-back settings and locally sourced menus, The Pig prides itself on offering family-friendly dining experiences alongside elegant culinary options.
Founder Robin Hutson and his wife Judy, who have led the brand since its inception in 2011, announced their retirement in 2024 after decades of growing the company.
Hutson cited personal health experiences and a desire to spend more time with family as reasons for stepping back, while praising the team’s accomplishments and the hotel’s continued commitment to welcoming guests of all ages.
Celebrating Family in Public Spaces
For Edwards, the incident highlighted a broader cultural discussion about parenting and public spaces.
She emphasized that parents today are increasingly choosing to dine in more upscale venues while teaching their children social etiquette.
“Parents should not feel excluded from restaurants simply because they have children,” she said.
“Children learn by participating, not by being confined to fast food.”
