Shinfield Arms, Reading

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.”

Modernised foody pub, Greene King owned so I was prepared for disappointment on the ale front, it was good prep as the four handpumps offered up GK IPA, Belhaven Grand Slam , Yardbird and the intriguing (not) Black Boy Bitter 3.9 %, I had Guinness. Not a place I plan to return to in a hurry.