News / Pubs
Petition started to keep name of the Cross Hands pub
For 170 years, the Cross Hands has been the name of the pub on the junction of Staple Hill Road and Downend Road.
But new owners of the building, the Oxford-based Dodo Pub Co., say that they will change its name to the All Inn when they reopen the Fishponds pub in May.
Many locals, however, are upset about the prospect of the name change, with a petition already gathering signatures of people asking for the Cross Hands to stay.
is needed now More than ever
Inside the Cross Hands, which has had the same name since it opened as the Cross Hands Hotel in 1853 – photo: The Cross Hands / Facebook
Paddy Clark, who started this petition, told Bristol24/7 that drinking in the Cross Hands is “a rite of passage” for everybody who has lived in Fishponds.
He said: “It’s been part of Fishponds history for over 100 years and I just felt that the new name was silly and unnecessary. Why change it?
“I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant with the new owners and could still be called the Cross Hands.”
Drinking at the Cross Hands is “a rite of passage”, says Paddy Clark – photo: The Cross Hands / Instagram
Paddy’s 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 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.”
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/leave-the-cross-hands-pub-name-alone
The Dodo Pub Co. team at the soon-to-be All Inn – photo: Dodo Pub Co.
In response to the petition, Dodo Pub Co. 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.
“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 overall Dodo vibe. It’ll be welcoming, inclusive and fun!”
Main photo: The Cross Hands / Facebook
Read next:
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- Fed open their third cafe
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