“Eighteen and over, and a card to show it”

Eighteen and over

Only guests aged 18 or over may enter the casino room, whether to play, to watch or to wait for a friend. The dining room is open to guests of all ages. The doors between the two rooms are opened at half past five, and the host stands near them.

Nothing online

There is no way to play at Karri Lodge from a screen. The tables exist only in the building. That means the age rule can be checked by a person, face to face, which we think is the most reliable check there is, and which no online form can match.

Identification at the door

A photo card is shown to the host or the floor manager on every visit, however often we have seen you. It is looked at and handed back; nothing is copied, scanned or recorded. The check takes a few seconds, and our regulars have long since stopped noticing it.

No exceptions

There is no exception for a relative of staff, an accompanied young person or a special evening. A guest who cannot show identification is welcome to dine, and may try again another night. Staff are trained to ask politely and to accept a refusal graciously, so the question is never an accusation.

Why we hold the line

Cards and roulette are games for adults, even when they are played on chips without money value. The lodge treats the casino room as an adult space because its conversation, its pace and its hours suit adults, and because a clear rule is easier for everyone than a flexible one.

Questions about the age limit

If you are unsure whether the rule applies to your group, telephone the host before you come. Renee Wells will explain it kindly and suggest the best way for everyone to spend the evening. The notice that appeared on this website asks your age as a courtesy; the real check is made at the door.