Romford pub faces backlash after refusal to serve heroes

A Romford pub is facing a public backlash after the Recorder revealed it refused to serve soldiers following a homecoming parade.

The Recorder’s website and Facebook page have been inundated with messages from residents angry that staff from The Bull pub, in Market Place, told soldiers that they were “not allowed to serve squaddies”.

A spokesman for the pub apologised and said it had been in contact with a soldier involved and invited him to the pub with his family and friends.

Beverely Griffiths, wrote on the Recorder’s website: “To the staff at the Bull. Shame on you. You are going to have to do something amazing for this regiment and make it public if you are ever to get over this immensely poor lack of judgement.”

The parade on Tuesday November 6 - Remembrance week - was part of celebrations for the battalion being given the Freedom of the Borough.

A spokesman for the regiment confirmed soldiers were given permission by their commanding officer to visit the pub.

Denise Coe told the Recorder last week: “What is the point of them having the Freedom of the Borough when the soldiers can’t even go to get a drink in a pub in the town?”

But one resident urged people not to let the incident overshadow the pub’s past good work.

Isabella Smith wrote on Facebook: “The manager was not on the premises at the time of the incident, otherwise it would not have happened. Please don’t let this unfortunate mistake take away from all the good work The Bull and the regular customers do for the community.”