Harry Potter brings “division”: the most isolated pub in the UK has canceled its Halloween party
The staff at The Old Forge, after the pub has been reopened. August 10, 2023. PHOTO: The Old Forge Cbs Ltd / Swns / Swns / Profimedia
The most isolated pub in the UK has canceled this year's Halloween party, which had the famous novel and film Harry Potter theme, after accusing that its employees had faced some “inappropriate negative reactions”, reports Sky News.
The Old Forge pub, in the village of Internie, located on the Knoydat peninsula in the Scottish lands, promoted the event on October 31 as a “fascinating” night, with “magic and witch wonders”.
Customers were promised a free beer upon arrival at “Platform 9 3/4”, before “leaving with Hogwarts Express”.
After an adventure “Through the enchanted forest to the Great Hall”, the guests were to enjoy “a culinary extravagance”, inspired by the world of Harry Potter and made up of four dishes.
However, the pub canceled his plans after the topic of his party has proven to have sown “division”.
The author of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling, is an activist for women's rights and is known for his critical beliefs about issues regarding gender discrimination.
In a post on social media, The Old Forge said: “The pub's management team decided to cancel this year's Halloween party. It has always been meant to be a fun evening, but unfortunately, Harry Potter's use has been shown to have brought it, and some of our employees received this.”
“I thought it was clear how we feel about everyone's rights, especially given our recent support for the amazing Knoydat Pride holidays – we had also planned a fundraiser for young people that evening. Any upset caused by our choice was certainly unintentional,” the representatives said.
The children's party will take place according to the plan, and all the other services that day will work normally.
Those who have complaints were urged to express their management committees through the “appropriate official channels”.
The pub added: “Finally, we would like to reiterate that the pub takes care of all the members of our community and we asked people to be kind and respectful to each other and our staff.”
The Old Forge representatives refused to make other comments when they were contacted by the British television station.
The premises, owned by the community, is famous for being the “farthest pub” in the UK.
Without roads that cars can reach the village or get out of there, it can only be accessed by traveling 18 miles (29 kilometers) on foot or crossing 7 miles at sea.
The pub once offered a free drink to hikers who managed to get there. A unlucky hike was forced to survive a week in Scotland's “last big wilderness”, after wandering during his trip.
