Latest news with #TurfTavern
Spectator
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Why Northern Ireland hates Paddington
Soaring crime and a growing air of discontent means that few Brits are happy about the state of their nation. There is one man, however, who seems to enjoy this deteriorating country quite a lot: the Ambassador of Japan to the Court of St. James's, Hiroshi Suzuki. Paddington's values have very little to do with what Britishness means in Northern Ireland Suzuki's cheery social media posts, in which he extols the virtues of the United Kingdom as seen through the eyes of an ardent Anglophile, are wildly popular. From sharing photographs of himself drinking ale in the Turf Tavern in Oxford, to making an origami daffodil to promote St. David's Day, the Ambassador seems to be thoroughly happy with life in Britain. Suzuki has one quirk, however, which would make him an antagonist in World War Twee: everywhere he visits, he brings a little Paddington Bear toy with him. Much has been written in these pages and elsewhere on the cult of Paddington, about how this fictional bear has been co-opted by the great and the good as a symbol of Britain's values in our pro-globalisation post-historical society. Paddington is kind and unfailingly polite, has a dry, witty humour, respects traditional institutions, and enjoys marmalade sandwiches. He is also an illegal immigrant, arrived in Britain by way of boat, who was recently given a passport by the Home Office. All of this, naturally, makes him appeal greatly to the lanyard class of progressives. This week, Suzuki visited Northern Ireland, along with Paddington, to carry out his ambassadorial duties and do a little sightseeing. He shared a photograph of the ruins of Dunluce Castle on the northern coast and commented on its 'beautiful scenery'. Over a quarter of a million people saw his post. It was not long before the Paddington toy was whipped out for a photograph, and people gushed over the perceived Britishness of it all. However, Paddington's values – those of a left-wing media class distilled and dumbed down through various layers of appeal-to-children – have very little to do with what Britishness means in Northern Ireland. All of the aforementioned mannerisms and beliefs that are espoused through Paddington about what it means to be British in the twenty-first century have no cultural capital in Northern Ireland. Here, as the reader will no doubt be aware, British Nationalism is vocal, unapologetic, militant, and right-wing. It does not appease, nor does it keep quiet about the problems it faces. Those here who identify as British are proud of their history, culture, and traditions. In many areas of Northern Ireland, especially at this time of year, there are countless marching bands parading through bunting-clad streets. Historical reenactments of events in British history take place, commemorating acts which built the nation. Bonfires constructed in the national colours are topped with icons depicting people perceived to be enemies of Britain, typically Irish flags and images of Irish Nationalist politicians, but more recently controversial sculptures of small boat immigrants. For many in Northern Ireland, this is their British identity: as they see it, they are sticking up for the honour and integrity of the nation that defended them so vehemently against Irish nationalist terror during the Troubles. This is the kind of Britishness that would make Paddington choke on his marmalade sandwich. Yet, like it or not, it is what British nationalism looks like to people here. Indeed, Paddington is not at all representative of what it means to be British in the twenty-first century. He may accurately represent the views of the liberal democrat-voting, FBPE-in-Twitter-bio-having, middle-aged middle-managers who appear to be running this country behind the scenes. He does not, however, speak for the vast majority of Britons who believe that current levels of immigration are too high. In Northern Ireland, only a third of people who self-describe as British believe that immigrants are good for the economy and culture. Paddington doesn't speak for them. Suzuki's love of Britain is infectious. There's no doubt, too, that he is doing a better job than any tourist board in promoting the virtues of the UK. But please, for the sake of places that aren't London: he should leave Paddington at home.
The Guardian
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Feeling's mutual: Japan ambassador's love of UK makes him social media star
Hiroshi Suzuki's connection with the UK started in the 1990s when he started to visit friends of his wife in south-west England. Back then, he may have had no idea that by 2025 he would be serving as the Japanese ambassador to the UK and his love for the country would have turned him into a social media sensation. Writing on the Japanese embassy website, the 63-year-old from Kyoto explains why he loves the UK so much: 'Japan and the UK are irreplaceable partners who share fundamental values and common strategic interests.' Well the UK seems to love him back – but primarily due to his social media updates. One of the activities Suzuki, who took up the ambassadorial post in November, says he is most looking forward to upon his return to the UK is 'enjoying a pint of ale in a nearby cosy local pub'. And this is a recurring theme in many of his updates on X. Be it sipping ale in the Turf Tavern in Oxford or downing much of a pint in one gulp while propped on a bar stool in a pub at new year, the traditional British thirst-quencher features regularly. Took a little break @TheTurfTavern pub, another place which the Emperor often visited during his time as a student @UniofOxford! In the latter, he exclaims Happy New Year before pointing to a bottle clasped by a bemused bartender. 'This is roku from Japan,' he says, before giving a thumbs up. It is simple and amusing, charming and eccentric. And features some unabashed product placement. Happy New Year !! ㊗️ Suzuki's love for the UK spans all corners; he posted messages of goodwill on Burns Night ('Congratulations on Burns Night! Auld Lang Syne is very popular and always sung on graduation ceremonies') and his rendition of the Welsh national anthem, posted on X on St David's Day, went viral. Looking forward to my trip to 🏴Hwyl, gweld chi'n fuan! Also on St David's Day, Suzuki posted a video of himself silently eating a Welsh cake, washed down with a cup of tea in a mug adorned with a red dragon, as well as highlighting a merging of the Japanese and Welsh cultures through his daffodils made from paper using origami. Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! 🏴 Sampling local delicacies is one of the most popular themes on Suzuki's social media feed. Most recently, he was seen at Sarson's vinegar factory in Manchester, a British name owned by the Japanese company Mizkan. 'So when you enjoy fish and chips Sarsons is a must have, I just can't think of fish and chips without Sarsons,' he says, before pouring the vinegar over a plate of fish and quietly sampling the fare, and giving his trademark thumbs up. Great visit to Sarson's factory in Manchester! In December, he feasted on New Forest ham and Sussex sparkling wine in a video explainer for geographical indication labels, that assure consumers of the authenticity of a product. 'If you see kobe beef with this stamp, you can rest assured you're going to get the real deal,' he says. GI (Geographical Indication) will give you a 'real deal' of authenticity! Further explaining his bond with the UK, Suzuki speaks of his passion for the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. 'In 2017, as a symbol of the never-changing friendship between Japan and the UK in the wake of Brexit, we started the project with Mr Keisaku Sandy Sano, then chairman of the Japan Association in the UK, and Mr Takashi Tsukamoto, then chairman of the Japan-British Society, to plant cherry trees across the UK,' he writes. 'When we started, we set the target of planting 1,000 trees, but now we have planted 8,000 trees and they are blooming in many places in the UK. 'Before I left Japan, the three of us got together again and set a new target of planting 10,000 trees. In Japan, ohanami is a traditional springtime event, where people enjoy parties under the cherry blossoms. 'I hope that British people throughout the country will similarly enjoy a day in spring by having a picnic under the cherry blossoms.'
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National opinion on the nine best pubs and bars in Oxford
The Telegraph newspaper has chosen its picks for the nine best pubs and bars in Oxford. After reviewing several spots within and outside the city centre, the national newspaper has compiled a list of the best boozers on offer. Turf Tavern in Bath Place near the Bridge of Sighs is first up on the list with the paper referring to it as one of 'Oxford's worst-kept secrets'. The 18th-century pub is distinguished for its low-beamed and stone-flagged nature and was said to have been visited by former US President Bill Clinton. READ MORE: The best restaurants in Oxford according to The Telegraph Inside Turf Tavern on Bath Place. (Image: Greene King) The Varsity Club inside the Covered Market in the city centre also makes the cut with it being praised for its roof terrace and sweeping views of Oxford. Clinton Pugh's Kazbar on Cowley Road has a 'souk-like ambience' according to The Telegraph and is given credit for its Spanish wines, spirits and beers as well as the 'sizzling' tapas. The White Horse is well known to fans of Inspector Morse and Lewis with its location between Blackwell's bookshop and opposite Sheldonian Theatre on Broad Street. Tiny in size but huge in reputation, the one-roomed boozer is renowned for being a popular spot with people advised to visit in the afternoon when it is less busy. READ MORE: Wootton in Oxfordshire named among best villages in the UK The Jericho Tavern in Oxford. The Eagle & Child on St Giles is another famed pub in the city centre with it once being a favourite haunt of JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis and their literary pals, 'the Inklings'. A sloping floor and low beams in the 17th-century pub ensure the watering hole hasn't changed too much since Tolkien's days in the city but it has been temporarily closed since 2020. Moving over to bars and Raoul's Cocktail Bar on Walton Street in Jericho has been open for decades, winning awards for its various mixing. The Telegraph describes the atmosphere as a 'retro, subterranean venue with professional bartenders and guest DJs'. READ MORE: Oxford University academic loses 'clumsy kiss' tribunal Unlock unlimited local news subscribe today and save 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Enjoy access to our ad-free mobile and tablet app, as well as the digital edition of the paper. Don't miss out – subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) March 18, 2025 Staying in the area, the Jericho Tavern is labelled as a 'fairly average local pub from the outside' but with a surprise on the inside thanks to cobalt-blue walls, 'subtly vintage vibe and cool but unpretentious atmosphere'. The pub's spacious beer garden at the back is also praised due to it being somewhat of a rarity in Oxford. Another hidden away drinking spot on the list is The Old Bookbinders on Victor Street with the traditional pub originally built in 1869 for workers from the nearby Oxford University Press. Inside, it appears 'wholly traditional' with tankards on the shelves and beer mats and posters on the walls while there is also a train set on the ceiling. The Chester Arms, tucked away in Iffley Fields, rounds off the list thanks to its selection of drinks as well as its menu.
