Pub-goers and landlords across the UK are rallying in support of a landlord facing an unexpected lawsuit—and it’s not over beer prices or noisy nights.
The Saracen’s Head Inn in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, is under fire from Khalid Baqa, a convicted terrorist, who claims the pub’s name and its sign depicting a “bearded Arab/Turk” are offensive and “incite violence.”
His demands? A payout of nearly £2,000 and, if successful, plans to target over 30 other pubs with the same name.
Robbie Hayes, the landlord at the center of the storm, isn’t backing down—and neither are other Saracen’s Head pubs across the country.
Outrage and Support from Pub Communities
The reaction has been swift and united. Staff and patrons at Saracen’s Head pubs nationwide expressed shock and frustration over the lawsuit.
Caroline Machell-Ranson, head chef at the Saracen’s Head in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, called it “ridiculous,” noting, “This pub has been here since the 16th century, and no one has ever complained. The name is part of history.”
Inside the centuries-old pubs, where oak beams and traditional décor still hold a special charm, the sentiment is the same: history cannot and should not be erased.
Staff and locals agree that Baqa’s claims feel unfounded, especially considering his criminal background.
“You can’t just whitewash history,” one pub worker said, shaking their head at the demands.
Locals Speak Out: “Enough is Enough”
In Towcester, Northamptonshire, regulars at another Saracen’s Head pub voiced their disbelief.
One patron bluntly stated, “He’s got a bloody cheek. Where do you draw the line? Are we going to sue pubs called The White Lion because someone doesn’t like the word ‘white’?”
Other customers chimed in with similar frustration.
David Morgan, sipping his pint, summed up the general mood: “There are far bigger problems in the world than a pub name that’s been around for hundreds of years. This guy is just trying his luck for some money.”
Some went further, highlighting Baqa’s past convictions.
“What rights does a convicted terrorist have to tell us what’s offensive?” asked one frustrated patron.
The Pub’s Name: A Link to History
The name “Saracen” dates back centuries and was historically used to refer to Arabs and Muslims, particularly during the Crusades.
While some argue the term has outdated and controversial connotations, others see it as a reflection of historical context rather than present-day offense.
The pub in question, built in the 1500s, has proudly borne the Saracen’s Head name for hundreds of years.
Many locals view it as a cherished piece of their town’s identity.
The Bigger Debate: Changing Pub Names Across the UK
This isn’t the first time historic pub names have come under scrutiny.
From The Black Boy to The Midget, pub owners and communities have faced mounting pressure to rename establishments that some find offensive.
While campaigners argue for inclusivity and respect, critics worry about erasing history and succumbing to what they call “woke” culture.
For instance, The Black Bitch pub in Linlithgow, Scotland—named after a legendary greyhound—was renamed The Willow Tree after a heated public debate.
Similarly, The Midget pub in Abingdon faced backlash over its name, resulting in a complete rebranding despite community petitions to keep it unchanged.
Animal rights activists have also joined the conversation.
PETA, for instance, called for Birmingham’s historic Sly Old Fox pub to be renamed “The Clever Old Fox” to avoid “negative connotations” about the animals.
A Landlord’s Determination
Back in Chesham, landlord Robbie Hayes remains resolute. Calling the lawsuit a “complete joke,” Hayes emphasized that the pub’s name is not intended to offend but to honor its longstanding history.
“This place has been called The Saracen’s Head for 500 years,” he told reporters.
“None of our customers are racist, and the name isn’t either. It’s simply historic.”
With support pouring in from pub-goers and other landlords across the UK, the message is clear: the community is standing firm.
As one patron aptly put it, “This pub’s name has survived for centuries—it shouldn’t be changed now because one person is offended.”
Looking Ahead
The Saracen’s Head Inn case has sparked broader questions about balancing history, inclusivity, and individual sensitivities.
While debates like this are unlikely to fade anytime soon, communities across the UK are making their stance clear: preserving history matters.
Whether Khalid Baqa succeeds in court remains to be seen, but for now, landlords and locals are drawing a line in the sand—and raising a pint to the enduring legacy of Britain’s historic pubs.