UK’s most remote pub cancels Harry Potter party after JK Rowling backlash
Britain’s most remote pub was forced to cancel its Harry Potter-themed Halloween party this year after staff experienced “inappropriate distress” over the theme.
The Old Forge, in Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, said the event was planned as “just a fun night” which proved “divisive”. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has become a controversial figure due to her views on transgender rights.
The pub, which can only be reached by foot or boat, said any disturbance caused by the theme night was “unintentional”.
The bar said in a social media post: “Hello all, the Bar management team have decided to cancel this year’s Halloween dinner party. It was always meant to be just a fun night, but unfortunately using Harry Potter as a theme has proven to be divisive and some of our staff have experienced inappropriate upset as a result.
The bar said it plans to hold a collection for the trans youth charity on the night in line with its recent involvement in the Knoydart Pride Parade.
“We thought it was clear how we felt about everyone’s rights, especially given our recent support for the amazing Knoydart Pride celebrations; we had also planned a charity collection for trans young people on the night.
“Any inconvenience caused by our choice of theme was absolutely unintentional. We will continue to hold a children’s party at the Wee Bar from 5pm, but all other services will continue as normal that day, including the restaurant.
“Finally, we want to reiterate that the bar cares about everyone in our community and asks the public to be kind and respectful to each other and our staff. If anyone has a concern, please reach out directly to the management committee through the appropriate official channels. Cheers!”
The community-owned pub is known as the UK mainland’s “farthest pub” and can only be reached by walking 28 miles or sailing seven miles.
In 2022, the bar offered marchers a free drink if they showed up there for a short campaign.
On its website, the pub describes the walk to the village as “challenging” due to variable ground conditions.
“In deteriorating weather, trails can easily get lost and mobile phone signal is patchy. Hiking in should only be undertaken by people with sufficient hill walking experience.”
