Greene King has revealed new names for four of its pubs, changed in response to concerns about racist connotations.
Community groups were consulted to help get a shortlist of options. These were then put to public votes, which closed at the end of Wednesday, 10th February.
Greene King Pub Partners managing director, Wayne Shurvinton, said: “We’d like to thank the more than 7,000 people who have taken part in these votes and who contributed to our community consultations to help find new names for these four pubs.
“Despite the obscure origins of the pubs’ previous names, from the research we carried out it was clear that there was a perception today that the old names were linked with racism, which is why we knew we had to take this step if we wanted to continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation.
“Once we took the decision to change the names, we wanted to involve local people in choosing new and inclusive names for these pubs, so they remain at the heart of their communities. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who voted and helped us choose new names that continue to reflect the history and heritage of each pub but also ensure that they are places where everyone can feel welcome.”
The pubs’ new names
The Black Boy, Bury St Edmunds — new name: The Westgate
The pub is built close to where the town’s old West Gate once stood, and towards the rear of the pub are remnants of the old town wall that used to join up to the West Gate. Votes cast: 3,540
The Black Boy, Shinfield, Berkshire — new name: The Shinfield Arms
A name that calls out the pub’s location at the heart of an historic village. Votes cast: 913
The Black Boy, Sudbury, Suffolk — new name: The Lady Elizabeth
Named after Lady Elizabeth de Burgh, who in the 14th century invested in creating the Market Hill in Sudbury, where the pub and hotel stands today. Votes cast: 760
The Blacks Head, Wirksworth, Derbyshire — new name: The Quarryman
With limestone quarrying and lead mining playing such a key role in the history and development of Wirksworth, calling the pub The Quarryman would mark this important piece of history for the area. Votes cast: 1,923
Inclusion and diversity strategy
While the new names have now been confirmed, it is still likely to take a few months to change the signs at each pub, because of the timescales required to get the necessary planning permissions to carry out work on the buildings.
The renaming of these four pubs is part of Greene King’s inclusion and diversity strategy to champion equality and diversity within the company and further support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
In 2020, Greene King pledged to significantly invest in initiatives to support more young people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds to begin a career in hospitality. As a result of this, last August, Greene King strengthened its partnership with the Prince’s Trust with a new five-year agreement, increasing funding by a third and pledging to create 1,000 opportunities for young people and an increased financial commitment to the charity linked to the diversity aims.
An employee-led group called Unity has also been created that represents Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, and which is formed from representatives across Greene King, with the aim of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Views from Unity were sought as part of Greene King’s consultation on how the names were perceived.
Last October saw the launch of a year-long partnership between Greene King and the International Slavery Museum, in Liverpool, to raise awareness and educate about the historic transatlantic slave trade.
