White Hart Inn in Essex Sparks Fury Over Offensive Golliwog Dolls
Camra Bans Pub Over Racist Dolls
The White Hart Inn in Greys, Essex, has landed in hot water for displaying golliwog dolls – a move sparking fierce backlash. The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has blasted the pub, ordering its South West Essex branch to blacklist the venue from future awards and the revered Good Beer Guide until the dolls come down.
Camra slammed the display as “baffling” and “offensive” after a member of the public reported feeling racially distressed on February 24. Police were alerted, and an investigation is now underway.
Landlord Defends Dolls as ‘History’
Chris Ryley, landlord of the pub, insists the dolls are “part of our history” and dismissed the uproar as a “mountain made out of a molehill.” His wife has proudly displayed the 30 dolls for nearly ten years.
But many see the dolls – originally based on 18th-century minstrels – as racist caricatures that promote harmful stereotypes.
Police, Ministers and Home Office Tangle Over Investigation
Reports claimed Home Secretary Suella Braverman personally contacted Essex Police about the probe, though police have denied the claim but admitted possible contact with the Home Office.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said it’s up to the police how to handle the investigation. No arrests or charges have been made, but landlord Chris Ryley is set for questioning next month. Discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service took place before the dolls were removed.
The History Behind the Golliwog Dolls
These controversial dolls trace back to a popular UK brand linked to Robertson’s Jam, launched in 1910. Known for its ‘Golly’ mascot, the brand faced criticism for racist imagery. The name was officially changed in the 1980s and dropped entirely by 2001 amidst growing calls to end such stereotypes.
