The Quarryman (Blacks Head), Matlock

Official site of The Quarryman (Blacks Head) - www.greenekingpubs.co.uk

Official site of The Quarryman (Blacks Head) - www.greenekingpubs.co.uk

Greene King is renaming three pubs currently called The Black Boy, in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Shinfield, as well as the Black’s Head, in Wirksworth. The renaming is part of Greene King’s strategy to champion equality and diversity within the company and further support people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Community groups are being notified ahead of an online poll shortly, so they can pick from a list of suggestions for each of the four pubs. The decision to change the name follows detailed consultation with a range of stakeholders and thorough research of the pubs’ histories. While the pub name ‘Black Boy’ exists throughout the country, there is not a consensus on its origins and many of those consulted felt the name to be offensive and discriminatory. Greene King chief executive, Nick Mackenzie, said: “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. 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.”

Six hand pumps at the bar. At the time of my visit there was a house ale that claimed to be "specially selected" but offered no further clue as to what it may be. There were various Greene King offerings (as expected), three Hardy and Hansons beers (owned and brewed by Greene King - including Kimberley Bitter and Olde Trip), and a guest ale of Liquid Sunshine by St Austell. I went for the Olde Trip before realising it was now a Greene King ale - as there was no mention of GK on the pump clip - and only realised afterwards. A pint set me back £3.45 and I found it a fairly nondescript bitter, when I realised it was Greene King it all made sense. This is an old school pub and felt a bit "local" during my lunchtime visit, though it was not particularly busy. The bogs (gents at least) looked like an outdoor area that had been brought under cover, with pebble dash and mould on the walls. Surprisingly enough they didn't smell bad though. My notes from the time of my visit end with the closing line, "No reason at all to go back" and true to my word I didn't when I was back in Wirksworth today. That said, it looked closed anyway. There are definitely better pubs nearby but I am sure this one will appeal to some. Date of visit: 14 September 2017.