Pub hosting ‘not bothered’ coronation party as antidote to ‘monarchy madness’

The Sir Isaac Newton pub in Cambridge wanted to ‘do something a little bit different’ to mark the occasion

A selection of the drinks of offer at the ‘not bothered’ coronation event (Sir Isaac Newton, Cambridge/PA)

A Cambridge pub is hosting a “not bothered” coronation party on Saturday as a “respectful antidote to monarchy madness”.

As the country was gearing up for the big day, the Sir Isaac Newton pub wanted to “do something a little bit different” to mark the occasion, assistant manager Shelley Turner told the PA news agency.

Speaking inside the traditional English pub, Ms Turner said the staff had put up “happy generic evening” bunting and erected a cardboard cut-out of Sir David Attenborough because “he really should be king”.

Ms Turner explained: “We noticed that everyone was kind of doing the same thing for the coronation and after speaking to customers, some of them would say, ‘Oh, I’m not that bothered’.

“Not everyone’s so excited about the monarchy so let’s give the rebels a bit of a party as well.”

The Sir Isaac Newton will be throwing a fancy dress party and buffet for children during the day, while a DJ will be on decks as “Blue Blood” cocktails will be served in the evening.

Although the theme of the party is anti-establishment, the pub “still wants to be really inclusive,” Ms Turner said.

“I know customers who love the monarchy and are really excited to come in.”

Ms Turner said that the reaction to the pub’s event has “all been positive, even online”.

She said: “I have not heard one negative thing said about it.”

When people see the chalkboard outside the pub advertising its anti-establishment party, “they get a smile on their face,” Ms Turner said, adding: “I’ve heard people talking about it to others, and it just seems to lift them really.”

The pub ultimately wants the message of its party to be one of inclusivity and fun.

Ms Turner said: “It doesn’t really matter what side of the divide you are on because I do find that these days, things seem to be quite divided in a lot of spheres.

“You can still have a party together and joke about these things and just be light about them, not be so serious.”