FROM BLACK BOY TO SHINFIELD ARMS

THE PUBLIC has spoken – a Shinfield pubwill have a new namewhen it reopens.

The Black Boywill become The Shinfield Arms, after it won a vote last week.

Last month, pub operator Greene King announced it was to rename its three pubswith that name.

In all, 913 voteswere cast, with The Shinfield Arms taking 470 votes – more than half the vote. The King’s Rest came secondwith 225 votes and The MerryMonarchwas thirdwith 218 votes.

The name, Greene King says, refers to the pub’s location at the heart of a historic village.

Greene King Pub Partners managing directorWayne Shurvinton thanked thosewho took part, adding: “Therewas a perception today that the old nameswere linkedwith racism, which is whywe knewwe had to take this step if wewanted to continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation.

“We’re incredibly grateful to thosewho voted and helped us choose newnames that reflect the history and heritage of each pub and ensure that they are placeswhere everyone can feel welcome.”

The renaming of the pub – which is run by the Barons Pub Company and currently closed due to lockdown restrictions – is part of Greene King’s inclusion and diversity strategy to champion equality and diversitywithin the company and further support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Last year, Greene King pledged to significantly invest in initiatives to help. This includes a five-year partnership with the Prince’s Trust, and pledging to create 1,000 opportunities for young people.