Defiant cafe refuses to take down Union Jack flag after ‘ridiculous’ complaints | UK | News
The owners of a Peak District cafe have refused to take down the Union Jack flag flying above its entrance. The popular Bridge Bakehouse in Whaley Bridge has been receiving messages from visitors about the flag, with staff claiming it was “a bit ridiculous” to issue something like a “press release”. In a Facebook post, business owners told complainants to “have a beer, breathe, and maybe back off a little.”
The full post reads: “We’ve had a few messages lately about the Union Flag over our door, so we thought we’d clarify a few things – which saves me having to respond to all the emails.
“First of all, yes, we find it a bit ridiculous that a sandwich shop would have to issue something like a press release, but here we are.
“The flag isn’t there to make any political sense; it’s just a little nod back home… and it looks amazing!
“There’s something cheerful over the door, like the flags you’ll see flying in front of most city halls across the country.
“We are incredibly proud to be here at the gateway to one of the most beautiful corners of the UK, the Peak District, and we love that so many visitors, tourists and locals enjoy seeing the Union Flag as a piece of classic British charm.
“We’re proud to run a welcoming, community-focused café with a great team of people from all backgrounds and cultures. The Bakehouse has always been, and always will be, a place where everyone is welcome.”
“It’s really a bit ridiculous that something so ordinary and familiar can make so much noise. The flag isn’t about politics or exclusion; it’s about belonging, community and a little pride in the place we all share.”
“The flag will remain. I don’t believe anyone should be ashamed of the country they were born and raised in. We will continue to focus on what really matters: good food, good people and keeping the kettle on.”
“And to everyone who jumped out this week, you’re a little late to the party. The flag has been up for over two months. So have a beer, breathe, and maybe step back a little.”
The cafe is a popular Derbyshire destination for food lovers, and its menus include “Don’t put bacon on my heart”, “Are you scaring me?” There are various sandwiches with punny names like. and “Catch your goat, you pulled”.
In the comments below the post, one Facebook user said: “Well done girls. You don’t question a Spanish flag in Spain.”
Another commented: “Absolutely crazy that you even have to post this! But it’s 2025 Britain. Kudos for not bowing to pressure and I’ll be ordering doubles next time I’m in store.”
