New owners of Fishponds pub react to petition urging them to keep the old name

The new owners of a popular community pub in Bristol have reacted to a petition urging them not to change the name when it reopens.

The Cross Hands pub on Staple Hill Road in Fishponds dates from 1853, when it was a hotel. It closed last month and it was bought by Oxfordshire-based Dodo Pub Co, which is changing the pub’s name to the All Inn.

A petition called ‘Leave the Cross Hands pub name alone’ has already gained 300 signatures out of its 500 target.

Paddy Clark, who started the petition, says: “The Cross Hands pub has been at the heart of the 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 in’ 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.”

One of the locals to sign the petition is Dawn Taylor, who said: “It is the perfect name for where the road forks … everyone knows it and it works.”

Philip Clee added: “This isn’t a failing pub but a big part of the history of the area. The name change shows the new owners have no idea of the history, love and importance of this landmark to the area. As a once regular, this massively puts me off.”

The All Inn will open its doors in May, with refurbishment works underway. It will serve a menu offering ‘dirty burgers’ and authentic slow-rise Neapolitan pizzas.

The pub will be creating around 15 new jobs, with recruitment starting immediately for all positions.

Dodo Pub Co was formed by Leo Johnson and Chris Manners, who opened their first pub, The Rusty Bicycle, in 2009 after returning to their Oxford roots from university. Their first Bristol pub will their seventh opening in total.

Commenting on the petition urging them not to change the pub’s name, co-founder Leo Johnson said: “We have always changed the name of our pubs, as it represents a symbolic change of ownership and a fresh start; often required for failing pubs or pubs with poor reputations, although that is not the case with the All Inn, I hasten to add.

“All our pub names are carefully considered and the aim is to build a sense of trust and affection towards the name, for the locals that frequent it.

“The All Inn, is a play on traditional naming mechanisms associated with pubs and has a series of interpretations. First, the All Inn is coining our approach to building up true neighbourhood pubs for ‘All’ the community.

“The second, is the act of going ‘all in’, fully committed and inclusive of everything. Rest assured, the branding will adhere with the over all Dodo Vibe. It’ll be welcoming, inclusive and fun!”