A popular Newcastle bar has expressed shock and dismay after its staff were subjected to horrific online abuse and physical protests following a visit by Nigel Farage. Hibou Blanc, located in the city centre of Newcastle, found itself at the centre of a political storm last Friday when the Reform UK leader attended a lunchtime fundraiser at the venue.
Protests and Abuse Escalate
Activists gathered outside the swanky seafood restaurant, shouting 'shame on you' and hurling objects, which forced the establishment to close its shutters for safety. However, the bar's partner, Stevie Pattinson, 56, revealed that the attacks extended far beyond the physical protests.
He told Metro: 'The abuse against our staff has been the worst thing. These young kids are trying to earn a living. They do not deserve this. They are just doing their job. The level of vitriol has been a surprise. We are just a neutral space, we are not politically aligned.'
Neutral Venue Caught in Political Crossfire
Pattinson explained that Hibou Blanc, which boasts a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor, was approached by a local Reform politician to host the fundraiser with Mr Farage. Despite not being a Reform supporter himself, Pattinson agreed, unaware of the backlash that would ensue.
'We did not realise how problematic it would be,' he admitted. 'Farage is the leader of one of the major political parties, which is ahead in all the polls. We are not in the business of cancelling people. We are in the business of looking after people.'
Online Vitriol Targets Innocent Staff
What has particularly hurt Pattinson and his team is the sustained online abuse, with young employees being labelled 'Nazis' simply for working at the bar. He emphasised that venues should not be targeted for serving political leaders, especially during a time when hospitality businesses are struggling more than ever to make a living.
Pattinson clarified: 'There are certain people we would not want in like Andrew Tate. But Nigel Farage is not an extremist. The guy has got to eat somewhere. We haven't done anything wrong. Anyone is welcome here, including Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch.'
Free Speech Union Weighs In
Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, supported the bar's stance, telling Metro: 'Venues should not be targeted for giving a platform to members of lawful political parties, groups or organisations. If the protestors disagree with what Nigel Farage has to say, the proper response is to ask him questions and engage him in argument, not try to silence him by punishing any venue that hosts him.'
He added: 'In a democratic society, the way to win arguments in the public square is through discussion and debate, not bullying and intimidation.'
Historical Context and Political Climate
This incident is not the first time Mr Farage has faced hostility in Newcastle. In 2019, as leader of the Brexit Party, he was hit by a milkshake while campaigning in the town. The current political climate sees Reform UK expected to make substantial gains in the North East in the upcoming local elections in May, holding an eight-point poll lead over rival parties according to IPSOS.
Despite the intense backlash, Pattinson maintained a measured perspective, stating he did not want to 'point the finger' at protesters, acknowledging that 'everyone has got a right to say what they want.' The bar remains committed to providing a neutral space for all patrons, regardless of political affiliation.
