A sophisticated Newcastle restaurant, Hibou Blanc, found itself at the epicenter of a political storm last Friday when Nigel Farage chose their venue for a lunchtime event. What followed wasn’t just a protest; it was a wave of intense public reaction that quickly spiraled beyond the bar’s doors.
Activists descended upon the Bigg Market, chanting slogans and even throwing objects at the restaurant, forcing staff to quickly secure the premises. The immediate disruption was unsettling, but it was the aftermath that truly shocked Hibou Blanc’s partner, Stevie Pattinson.
The online abuse directed at the restaurant’s young staff has been particularly harrowing. Pattinson revealed his employees, simply trying to earn a living, have been subjected to vile attacks, including being labeled with deeply offensive terms for merely working at the establishment. The level of vitriol was entirely unexpected.
Hibou Blanc hadn’t sought out political involvement. A local Reform politician had requested the venue for a fundraiser, and Pattinson, not a supporter of the party, agreed, believing in the principle of offering a neutral space. He underestimated the ensuing backlash, a consequence he now describes as a painful lesson.
The bar’s partner emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, stating they aren’t in the business of “cancelling people,” but rather of providing hospitality. He acknowledged Farage, as a leader of a prominent political party, needs a place to dine, and that refusing service wasn’t a solution.
While the protest itself was contained, with supporters of Farage also present, the online harassment continues to sting. Pattinson believes businesses shouldn’t be penalized for serving political figures, especially given the current challenges facing the hospitality industry.
He drew a clear line, stating that while certain individuals would be unwelcome, Farage doesn’t fall into that category. Hibou Blanc, he insisted, extends a welcome to everyone, including leaders from across the political spectrum – Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch included.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the limits of protest and the fairness of targeting businesses for hosting political events. Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, argued that venues should not be punished for providing a platform to lawful political voices.
Young emphasized that disagreement should be met with debate, not intimidation, and that a democratic society thrives on open discussion. Silencing opposing viewpoints through bullying tactics undermines the very foundations of free expression.
Despite the ordeal, Pattinson doesn’t wish to condemn the protesters, acknowledging their right to express their opinions. However, the experience serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly polarized climate and the collateral damage that can occur when political passions run high.
This isn’t the first time Farage has faced a hostile reception in Newcastle. In 2019, during a campaign visit, he was famously struck by a milkshake, a moment that underscored the intensity of feeling surrounding his political presence in the city.
As the local elections approach, with Reform poised to potentially make significant gains in the North East, the incident at Hibou Blanc raises questions about the future of political discourse and the challenges faced by businesses navigating an increasingly divided society.
