Pub to change name over racism tensions
A PUB company has announced it will be changing the name of a venue near Ashbourne because of its racist connotations.
The Black’s Head, in Wirksworth, will have its name changed by owner Greene King after the company adopted an anti-racist stance.
It is one of four pubs the brewing company and pub owner is renaming in what it describes as part of its “inclusion and diversity strategy” and to support people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The other three pubs are all called the Black Boy and are in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Shinfield. The West End pub bears the same name seen on the Green Man Gallows sign in St John Street, Ashbourne.
Although the “Black’s Head” pub no longer exists in the town, a wooden caricature linked with the name was caught up in a storm of controversy last year and ended up being removed by its owners, Derbyshire Dales District Council.
Greene King says it has made the decision to change its questionable pub names after a detailed consultation with stakeholders and after researching the history of the pubs. Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said:
“It is important to acknowledge our history, but just as important to work pro-actively 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.”
Greene King added that community groups were being notified ahead of an online poll that people can vote in to choose a new name for the pub from a list of suggestions.