Animal activists ridiculed for urging pub owners to rename boozer called Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
AN animal rights group has been ridiculed for urging owners to rename Britain’s “oldest pub” from Ye Olde Fighting Cocks to The Happy Hens.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also want the inn to only serve vegan food.
The activists issued the bonkers plan after landlord Christo Tofalli, 53, revealed he was quitting the pub, which dates from 793AD, due to Covid-related cash troubles.
Peta wrote to brewer Mitchells & Butlers — which is hoping to keep the historic venue open — to say its name called to mind a long-banned “hideous blood sport”.
It suggested Ye Olde Clever Cocks and The Cheery Chooks as future names and said plant-based grub should replace the classic British fare at the inn in St Albans, Herts.
But punters hit back. Caroline Thain wrote: “Why don’t they put their time, energy and other resources into helping real animal cruelty and leave history and heritage which speaks truth — light and dark — to crack on?!”
Another local, Rachael Longley, wrote: “Bonkers. Why is it even any of their business?”