A pub in Bristol has been branded ‘Britain’s wokest’ after its landlord made the decision to ban the sale of Thatcher’s cider, Heineken, Coca Cola and Bacardi at the bar.
The Red Lion in Bristol made the move after a campaign was launched in the city to boycott Somerset cider makers Thatcher’s.
Countering Colston, an activist group in Bristol, revealed last week that the cider company’s director and fourth-generation cider-maker was a member of a merchants’ society with deep links to slave trader Edward Colston.
After this came to light, bosses at The Red Lion said it would be ‘hypocritical’ to continue selling the cider.
They then also made the decision to ban Heineken beers, Coca Cola and Bacardi as the companies behind these products are also accused of maintaining unethical production practises around the globe.
Criticism of the pub has come in thick and fast from culture warriors online, but bosses at The Red Lion are sticking to their morals on the matter.
Landlord Lemmy has spoken out, telling the South West News Service.: ‘We have taken what we consider to be an ethical stance — it’s part of who we all are.
‘We have been labelled “woke” and all these weaponised words, which have made us feel pretty vulnerable.’
“When we have taken the stance which we believe is ethical, we do not want to be made some kind of target.”
Elaborating on the pub’s decision not to sell Coca Cola and other products deemed unethical, he added: “We don’t serve Coca-Cola because they have a history of seriously bad use of water in third-world countries,”
Image: Google
The pub also does not sell Polish lager Tyskie, because of the company’s apparent links with the anti-LGBTQ movement.
It emerged earlier this month that Thatcher’s cider director and fourth-generation cider-maker Martin Thatcher has been a member of a merchants’ society with deep links to slave trader Edward Colston since 2012.
Countering Colston, an activist group in Bristol, launched the boycott-Thatcher’s campaign last week in protest at the Society of the Merchant Venturers (SMV’s) deep links with Bristol’s historical slave trade.
The activist group tweeted: “Martin Thatcher, director of the company, is a member of the Society of the Merchant Venturers.
“The SMV has deep roots in the historical slave trade in Bristol, and its members were responsible for the suffering and death of tens of thousands of human beings.
“They are a powerful unelected elite who have significant influence on political and civic life in Bristol.”
Feature image – Google
News
Police tell gig-goers to ‘remain vigilant’ as Oasis Live ’25 hits Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Anyone lucky enough to be heading to Heaton Park for the Oasis Live ’25 gigs this summer is being told to ‘remain vigilant’.
Manchester is all set for a sensational summer of sound, as more than 300,000 music fans prepare to descend on our city to see a little-known band called Oasis (sarcasm detected) reform for the first time in over a decade.
And today is finally the big day after what has been a very long-time coming.
With the Gallagher brothers staging five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Heaton Park starting today (11 July), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now issued some important advice and information for gig-goers attending what is likely going to be one of the best live shows of their life, and what is sure to be a momentous moment for the city.
Oasis Live ’25 Manchester gig-goers told to ‘remain vigilant’ / Credit: The Manc Group | Simon Emmett (Publicity Picture)
GMP confirmed that it will be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows ‘pass by safely’ on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months, alongside our partners at Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and many more.
Police officers will be present around the Heaton Park site, working with event security staff to ‘prevent crime and disorder’, while off-site patrols will also assist with traffic management and policing in the surrounding areas and the city centre.
Efforts are also underway to ‘minimise disruption’ in Manchester city centre and the surrounding areas, GMP confirmed.
We’ll be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows pass by safely at Manchester’s Heaton Park starting from this Friday.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months alongside our partners.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 10, 2025
“Our priority is to ensure everyone’s safety,” explained Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Boyle.
“We have worked closely with event organisers and partners to make sure the event is safe and enjoyable for those attending, whilst minimising any crime or antisocial behaviour impacts on local residents.
“We will have a large and highly visible policing operation in place in Heaton Park, the city centre, and on routes into and out of the venue to help people enjoy the event. We also have neighbourhood police officers and staff in place who are dedicated to dealing with local residents’ concerns.
“Our advice to fans attending is to enjoy yourselves but to remain vigilant, keep your belongings safe, and report anything suspicious to police or security staff so we can act on it.”
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Georgina Pellant -
18th February 2022 
