A pub in New Brighton, Merseyside, has been rebranded itself again with another funny pop at the UK government.
The James Atherton called itself “The Three Bellends” last October in the light of government restrictions in the Liverpool area.
The pub sign initially featured prime minister Boris Johnson, his former top aide Dominic Cummings and health secretary Matt Hancock – with three bells on their heads.
But in the light of Dominic Cummings leaving Downing Street a month later, owner Daniel Davies has now renamed the pub again after Johnson delayed lifting the remaining lockdown restrictions on 21 June for four weeks.
The pub is now called ‘The Two Helmets’, and features Johnson and Hancock wearing cracked helmets with a red cross on them.
Davies, CEO of Rockpoint Leisure, the company owning the pub, told Liverpool Echo: “Our business has been decimated and their lack of action has compounded the problem. Westminster’s further decision to pick and choose which types of venue may open, based on those serving meals, for example, is mind-boggling.
“Whilst the renaming of the pub is clearly tongue in cheek, as far as I’m concerned the gloves are off and ministers need to understand the gravity of the perilous situation they have placed us in. This is a town that finally feels like it’s on the up and we need funding immediately to protect our businesses and support our staff.”
Paul Martin, Labour councillor for New Brighton ward, said: “From those that brought you The Three Bellends last year…
“Staying on point now that Dominic Cummings has gone #TheTwoHelmets”
And Gail Hughes said she is loving her neighbourhood for the stunt. She explained ‘Helmet’ is an offensive word in the Liverpool area.
From those that brought you the #ThreeBellends last year.
— Paul Martin (@paulmartin83) June 15, 2021
Staying on point now that DC has gone… #TheTwoHelmets pic.twitter.com/mNvPngM6wF
Loving my neighbourhood, our local pub has pulled a blinder again, first the Three Bellends and now The Two Helmets (Helmet is as an offensive term in Liverpool/Wirral) #lovemytribe #thetwohelmets https://t.co/6WenoKJdux
— Gail Hughes (@merseyview) June 16, 2021
The Three Bellends
Last year, Mori Sert, who lived around the corner from the pub, told PA news agency: “I think this response defines the North in a nutshell.
“No matter what hits us, we’ll never lose our spirit and humour.”
Sert, 26, said the pub’s new look has caused “a real buzz” in the area.
She had spoken out about the damage lockdown measures could cause to local businesses and to the Liverpool ONE shopping complex, where she was working at the time
“There has already been a dramatic decrease in footfall in Liverpool city,” she said.
“We are all very worried for our local businesses, especially hospitality places that are now being forced to close.
“It’s a struggle and we are all worried about how our much-loved city is going to bounce back from this.
“We will keep fighting this chaos as best we can.”
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