Poppy Pride: East Leeds and Wetherby pubs stand firm after south coast upheaval

Wetherspoon pubs across East Leeds and Wetherby are displaying their Remembrance poppies with pride this week, sending a clear message of support for the Armed Forces community following a wave of national controversy.  

Punters at The Charles Henry Roe in Cross Gates, The Briggate in Garforth, and The Angel Inn on Wetherby High Street have welcomed the visible presence of the Royal British Legion’s iconic symbol on bar tops and staff lapels. The display draws a sharp line under the highly publicised events that unfolded hundreds of miles away in Hampshire.  

The Shadow of Gosport 

The national debate erupted following an incident at The Star, a JD Wetherspoon outlet in Gosport. Viral social media footage captured door staff and a local manager turning away customers – including military veterans – for wearing poppies. In the footage, a member of staff claimed the symbol was restricted under local security rules because it could be interpreted as “political” given the atmospheric conditions outside.  

The incident took place against the backdrop of local anti-immigration marches and tense counter-protests in the Hampshire town. The refusal sparked fierce online condemnation, calls for a national boycott, and a subsequent demonstration that saw protesters cover the front of the Gosport pub in poppy stickers. 

Setting the Record Straight 

In response to the backlash, JD Wetherspoon headquarters firmly corrected the misinformation. Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin issued a statement clarifying that there is absolutely no ban on poppies across the company’s estate. 

The chain emphasised its long-standing relationship with the Royal British Legion, noting that its pubs raised £55,867 for the Poppy Appeal last year. The head office explained that the restrictions in Gosport were localised, temporary security measures implemented due to nearby street demonstrations, which unfortunately resulted in some poppy wearers being denied entry.  

Business as Usual Across Leeds 

In East Leeds and the wider metropolitan district, local regulars and staff have made it clear that remembrance remains a core value. At The Charles Henry Roe on Austhorpe Road, collection boxes are prominently placed, and locals are wearing their poppies without hesitation.  

Pub regulars across the Cross Gates and Garforth branches have widely noted that the symbol represents respect and remembering the sacrifices made, refusing to let events on the south coast dictate how respect is shown in Yorkshire. 

Staff at The Briggate in Garforth confirmed that the charity collections are being well supported by the weekend lunchtime crowds, with patrons donating generously to the collection tins on the bar. 

Wetherby’s “Angel” Joins the Stand 

The united front extends up to Wetherby, where The Angel Inn has fully embraced the campaign. The Grade II-listed building on High Street, which underwent a £2.9 million revamp, features a distinct horse-racing theme that ties closely into local sporting heritage – but this week, the primary focal point is the red poppy.  

Customers at the Wetherby venue noted that the pub has been busy, with donation boxes on the bar collecting heavily for the appeal. Locals have welcomed the clarity, stating that seeing the poppy boxes out on the bar puts any social media rumours about a corporate ban to bed. 

With the countdown continuing to Remembrance Sunday, the message from the bar rooms of Leeds and its surrounding market towns remains unmistakable: the poppies are here to stay, and the tradition of remembrance will be upheld.