Wetherspoon Confirms The Black Boy Pub Will Keep Its Name

Wetherspoon has confirmed that it will not be renaming The Black Boy pub in Wales.

It comes after Greene King announced last week that it would be changing the names of three pubs with the same moniker because it is perceived to be 'linked with racism'.

Wetherspoon said the pub in Newtown, Powys, dates back to the 17th Century and the name is not understood to have racist connotations.

PA

A spokesperson told LADbible: "The Wetherspoon pub in Newtown is called the Black Boy, which we believe is the historic name for a chimney sweep.

"There was a 17th century pub of this name on the same site. The name was chosen from a number of options by readers of a local newspaper in 2014.

"To date, we haven't received any complaints regarding the name, but will keep matters under review."

By contrast, Greene King is changing the names of three pubs currently called The Black Boy, which are located in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Shinfield, as well as a fourth called Black's Head in Wirksworth. Community votes will be held in order to choose the new names.

The renaming of the four establishments is part of Greene King's inclusion and diversity strategy to champion equality and diversity within the company, and to further support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The decision to change the name follows detailed consultation with a range of stakeholders and thorough research of the pubs' histories.

Google Street View

Nick Mackenzie, Greene King CEO, said: "It is important to acknowledge our history but just as important to work proactively to eradicate racism in our society today.

"We have looked at pub deeds, consulted with colleagues and while the origins of these pub names are obscure, what is clear is that there is a perception that they are linked with racism today and we want to make this positive change for the better.

"We know this is a decision that will attract a range of views and we're conscious of the history and heritage of pub names.

"We've thought long and hard and feel this is the right thing to do as it is incredibly important to us that our pubs are warm and welcoming places for everyone as we continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation.

"We're keen to involve local people in this project and look forward to working with them to choose a new and inclusive name for these pubs so they remain at the heart of communities."

Topics: UK News, Wetherspoon, Alcohol, Pub

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey