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Detail Pages
The Quarryman (Blacks Head), Matlock
Wirksworth
Postal town: Matlock
DE4 4ET
Pub Type
Greene KingReviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Blacks Head
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.”
On 16th January 2021
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3733 recommendations about 3470 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about The Blacks Head
I hadn't planned on calling in here, as I was looking for the Feather Star micropub but I was unable to distinguish it from the other shops around Wirksworth's market place because it had just gone dark and every building was festooned in Christmas lights. As the Blacks Head had just opened I thought I would pop in for a half and ask directions. There are six hand pumps on the bar, with a cider and five Greene King beers available. (See photos.) My half of Kimberley Bitter was past its best, but the pub was pleasant enough, with a solid fuel stove for those cold winter evenings, and I was provided with directions to my next beer.
On 14th December 2018
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3733 recommendations about 3470 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rob Hunter left this review about The Blacks Head
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.
On 25th October 2018
- rating: 5
[User has posted 750 recommendations about 598 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Blacks Head
Compact traditional pub, located up a few steps and overlooking the Market Square. Retains the distinctly un-politically correct former pub sign inside. Although a Greene King house, there was a good selection of five beers and a cider available on handpump, and five more on a stillage out front during the Wirksworth Festival weekend. Overall, the best of the town's pubs that I visited during my brief foray to the area.
On 7th September 2014
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]