The Black Boy pub WILL be officially renamed due to concerns that its name has “racist overtones”.

Greene King and pub operating company Barons Pub Company have announced plans to change the name of the Black Boy pub to Shinfield in January as the pub’s name is deemed to be race-insensitive.

After a public poll, it was announced that the pub would be renamed Shinfield Arms.

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But companies had to seek advertising consent from Wokingham Borough Council to undertake the overhaul. The town hall’s planning department granted their request at the end of May.

Barons Pub Company and Greene King welcomed the decision and are eager to begin the rebranding work.

Clive Price, Managing Director of Barons Pub Company, said: “We are delighted that the necessary permissions have been approved by the board for the renaming of The Black Boy and we are now busy organizing the new signage for The Shinfield Arms. .

“We have had a whirlwind of a few weeks since April 12, when the lockdown was lifted and there was certainly no lack of support from our local clients, who returned to the pub in large numbers.

“We are sure that the name change will continue to be a subject of heated debate and we have certainly heard a wide range of views on the subject, the vast majority of which have been very supportive.”

A spokesperson for Greene King, the company that owns the pub, said: “We are grateful to the committee for granting the building permit and look forward to completing the name change from The Black Boy to Shinfield Arms shortly. .

“At the start of this process, it was really important for us to involve the local people in choosing a new inclusive name.

“With the Shinfield Arms winning over 50% of the 900 public votes cast earlier in the year, we are pleased to officially change the pub’s name to one that reflects its place in the community and also ensures that it remains a place where everyone feels welcome.

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The Barons Pubs were planning to rename the Black Boy when they took over in 2017. At the time, it was suggested that the pub be renamed Shinfield Arms. However, the planned name change was canned after a public backlash on Facebook.

In the public vote, the name of Shinfield Arms defeated the alternate names “The King’s Rest” and “The Merry Monarch”.

Mr Price said there should be no trade disruptions during the rebranding.

Shinfield is part of the Borough of Wokingham.

The redesign request was approved on Wednesday, May 26.