Bad behaviour: a sign of the times

[Boxylady]

We met up with an old mate of ours today in a nice pub in Crawley. Smart place, nice ambience, smart appearance etc. We were sat quietly having a coffee and chatting when a family came in with three children aged between two and three. They kicked off by removing their shoes, screaming around the bar, leaping all over the furniture and generally being very noisy. my mate quietly suggested that we move because he didn't want to be disturbed by noisy brats. Unfortunately the father of said children overheard this remark despite it being said quietly and in private to us. he immediately began arguing with us about casting aspersions on his children, then the guys brother joined in and both called our friend out to the car park for a fight. Our friend did nothing to exacerbate the situation but the two men started shoving our friend, despite him having also apologised and stating all we wanted was a quiet meal out. The bar staff were brilliant, separated the guys and showed us to a place in the restaurant but it left a sour taste in our mouths and we sat wondering if we might be assaulted in the car park upon leaving.
Oddly enough we also experienced an incident at a dinner last night in the same vicinity, the hotel we stayed at was holding a formal dinner, at 1am in the bar we all started coughing and it transpired that a wedding guest had kicked off in such a manner that meant the manager had to call the police and when the offender resisted arrest they sprayed pepper spray everywhere affecting the guests as well as the person being arrested, it really marred the evening and the incident this morning just about topped it. I know we don't leave Norfolk much but is this type of behaviour becoming the norm or were we just unlucky?

Edited by Boxylady on Saturday 5th December 21:38

[chrisxr2]

no sadly it is becoming the norm, apart from the odd all day bender with my best mate i tend to stick to drinking at home nowadays.

[Marf]

Crawley is a sthole

[EmmaP]

Your mistake was to visit Crawley. I don't think this is normal of most towns or suburbs.

It is a real shame you had your trip ruined.

[davidjpowell]

Sign of the times. Partners sister believe that kids should not be told off and be able to express themselves. We avoid going to restaurants and pubs with them, and they comment that are daughter, who is told off when necessary is an 'angel'. We have had compliments from waiters on her behaviour

I hasten to add she is not an angel, but is far better behaved and we can consequently go to decent places.

It this namby pamby do what you like with no care for others again unfortunately.

[Davidos]

Crawley is a

[4nonymous]

People who invite strangers to fights are complete utter morons.

FFS the stranger could be some sort of professional Polish kickboxer! THen you're seriously fked.

[adycav]

I must say it is a real pleasure to see well-behaved children sat enjoying a meal with adults in a pub/restaurant.

This is probably because it is less common nowadays.

[Boxylady]

TBH Im not used to ill behaved children because even our 2 and a half year old nephew is made to sit and eat properly. it seems that people blame everyone but themselves. these people were also driving and expensive BMW X5 but were acting like trash. it left our friend shaking with concern and he isnt a namby pamby type of person. Really spoilt our day!

[adycav]

Boxylady said:

these people were also driving and expensive BMW X5 so it's no real surprise that they were acting like trash.

EFA.

[4nonymous]

I thought fights involved people pumping their chests and going "aehhhh"?

[Chrisgr31]

Which pub and hotel was it? Although the reality is that this sort of behaviour is common in Crawley. Do far better by avoiding it!

[Puggit]

Trashy X5 drivers - can't get credit any more, so they'll be a dying breed soon

[LukeBird]

As said, Crawley isn't that wonderful.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Your experiences sum up Crawley. Horrible place with more than its fair share of knuckle dragging dimwits.

[GTIR]

These two incidents you speak of - was it the same friend both times with you?

[H_Kan]

I've lived in Hounslow most of my life and went to uni in Liverpool, 2 supposedly quite rough places. Yet I can probably count on one hand the number of times anything has got to this level.

That also includes nights out and going for lunch/ dinner out as well.

Sounds like rather bad luck imho.

[GTIR]

H_Kan said:

I've lived in Hounslow most of my life and went to uni in Liverpool, 2 supposedly quite rough places. Yet I can probably count on one hand the number of times anything has got to this level..

fkers cut one of your hands off!

[Mojooo]

it was a sign of the times in 1998.

[Vixpy1]

best thing about crawley is the convinient airport to escape