Oxford café kicks out visually impaired man and guide dog

Nathan Tree, 34, from Wheatley, visited the Headington café La Croissanterie café this morning (Saturday, July 8) but was left upset when he was told his guide dog, a black Labrador called Maisie, was not allowed inside.

Mr Tree has been visually impaired since the age of 19 and was visiting the café in Old High Street with his wife and her family for breakfast.

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Nathan Tree with Maisie (Image: Nathan Tree)

He was however left feeling “upset” and “very down” when he was told by a member of staff to leave as they had a no dog policy.

Mr Tree said: “It was embarrassing.

"To be forced to argue that you are not allowed to be somewhere is not very nice.

“It was also upsetting for the people I was with.”

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Mr Tree said he pointed out to the staff member that the behaviour was discriminatory but they are said to have pointed at a sign on the door which said “No dogs.”

Since the incident, Mr Tree said the experience had an impact on his mental health and he has reported it to a Guide Dogs charity.

Picture of the cafe in Headington (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Tree, who works as a community engagement lead at My Vision Oxfordshire, said what was most ironic about the incident was seeing a collection box for a charity which supports visually impaired people sitting inside the café.

He said: “How can they collect to support people like me and then not allow me to sit inside the café?”

The charity supports children and adults who are blind or partially sighted throughout Oxfordshire.

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The café is run by husband and wife, Bachir and Souad Elbarhdadi.

Mrs Elbarhdadi said an apology was immediately given to Mr Tree and she said it was very busy at the time.

She said: “We were very busy and he was not being clear with our owner.”

Mrs Elbarhdadi said the business, which has a very loyal customer base, had been in Oxford for 30 years and this was the first time such an incident had occured.

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Mrs Elbarhdadi told the Oxford Mail she does not believe Mr Tree was "discriminated against" and she said the café had built up a respected reputation since 1992.

The owners have previously told the Oxford Mail about the difficulties they have had competing with Starbucks and Café Nero, which opened opposite on London Road.

However, in 2018 the café was given a five star food hygiene rating and Ms Elbarhdadi said their customer support base was like a “big family”.