An online petition to "leave the Cross Hands pub name alone" is gathering signatures after the pub's fate was revealed this week. The petition, launched by Paddy Clark, has accused the pub's new owners of "erasing history" after announcing it would be renamed the 'All Inn'.
Dodo Pub Co - who have pubs in Oxford, Cheltenham and Witney - confirmed they would be reopening the historic Staple Hill Road pub in May after completing the refurbishment. The Cross Hands' previous tenants said "ever-rising costs" were to blame for deciding to throw in the towel after more than eight years.
The petition said while they "welcome the new owners" into the community, they want to retain the history by keeping the original name. So far, it has reached more than 250 signatures out of a goal of 500.
READ MORE: Historic Bristol pub Cross Hands will be renamed when it's reopened by new owners
Shared on Change.org, the petition reads: "The Cross Hands pub has been at the heart of Fishponds community for many years. It's a historical building with a historical name and the new proposals to change its name to the ‘All Inn’ is erasing history.
"Please sign this petition so we can bring the local feeling to the attention of the new owners. Whilst we welcome the new owners into our community, we want to retain our history. Keep The Cross Hands Pub Name."
Announcing the news this year, Dodo Pub Co co-founder Leo Johnson said: “We’ve been wanting to find the right place for a Dodo pub in Bristol for several years now. Two of us lived there for a while and we all love its vibrancy and the feeling of inclusion that seems to permeate the city. It’s got a great mix of pubs, bars and restaurants, and we firmly believe that our neighbourhood vibe will fit right in.”
The All Inn aims to create around 15 new jobs, with recruitment starting immediately for all positions. The group focuses on creating neighbourhood pubs offering high quality, locally sourced food and drink in a welcoming space.
Many people have been left disappointed by the news of the name change. Smita Patel Sandhu, who commented under a BristolLive Facebook post sharing the article, said: "Keep the name. Used by many for directions."
Ian Watts added: "Name needs to stay, never been anything else, every local will agree." Rich Penny agreed: "Disappointed the pub name is being changed."
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