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A Merseyside pub has mocked key members of the Government by rebranding itself “The Three Bellends.”
A new sign outside what was The James Atherton now features an unflattering collage of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his adviser Dominic Cummings and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, all wearing bells on their heads.
The temporary rebranding of the Wirral site comes after the Liverpool city region was placed under level three coronavirus restrictions and amid growing anger over the government’s handling of the crisis.
The pub’s crest has been changed from a portrait of James Atherton, the founder of the New Brighton area, to a mockery of the conservative trio, as the pub owner warned: “The gloves are off.”
The prime minister is front and center of the sign, flanked by Mr. Hancock and Mr. Cummings, all of whom wear unimpressed expressions and have large bells covering their heads.
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Downing Street did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Metro.co.uk.
Locals have accused the government of ‘singling out’ Liverpool amid a spike in Covid-19 cases, with many sympathizing with the joke at the group’s expense.
Daniel Davies, CEO of Rockpoint Leisure, owner of the Victoria Road venue, said: “ While the pub’s renaming is clearly ironic, as far as I’m concerned the gloves are off and ministers need to understand the seriousness of the dangerous situation in which they have placed us.
“This is a city that finally feels like it’s getting better and we need funds right away to protect our businesses and support our staff.
Once again, it feels as if Liverpool and its surroundings have been singled out. Winter is just around the corner and we need tangible action and solutions from those in power, now. ‘
Mori Sert, who lives around the corner from the pub, added: “I think this answer defines the North in a nutshell.
“No matter what hits us, we will never lose our spirit and humor.”
Sert, 26, said the pub’s new look has caused “a real stir” in the area, with people coming over to take pictures of its new sign.
One Facebook user, Mike Kinealy, added: ‘Caption! I’ll take a trip just for a pint if they keep it.
But there is real anger behind Johnson, Hancock and Cummings’ taunts.
Mr. Davies, the owner of Rockport Leisure, which has invested in various regeneration projects in the city in recent years, continued: ‘(The new sign) is a reflection of what the community thinks about them and their decision making .
“The government has unequivocally blamed our industry for being pivotal in the spread of Covid-19, even though there is overwhelming evidence to show otherwise.”
Pubs and bars will be forced to close according to the rules of the third level, unless they are converted into restaurants.
Mr. Davies continued: “Our business has been decimated and your inaction has compounded the problem.
“Westminster’s further decision to choose what types of places they can open, based on those that serve food, for example, is mind-boggling.”
Mr. Davies said his company will try to raise its staff salaries to help them survive the shutdown, but added that they do not have an “unlimited budget.”
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