The owner of a popular pub in Marlow said he was ‘very sad’ to receive negative comments online after posting about a St George’s Day party.

Steve Blake, landlord of The Duke on Queens Road, said he was subjected to online trolls who told him his “sense of nationalism verges on the vulgar” after he posted about a party held at the pub on Tuesday, April 23, in honour of St George’s Day. 

He said the comments also warned him that flying the English flag in recognition of the national celebration “devalued” his establishment. 

“We find it very sad that we received such comments. We are committed to being the best community pub in Marlow, and we celebrate St George’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve, Christmas and more.

“It’s quite surprising that some of the critics don’t appear to even live in Marlow, which surely makes it more of a case of choosing to be offended rather than knowledge of the town.”

Steve also said that no one had any criticism on the day, with residents flocking to Queens Road to try their hand at a specially constructed skittle alley and sample roast beef wraps and Rebellion Brewery IPA.

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“We had a fantastic St George’s Day and we’ve had huge support from customers and Marlovians on social media and in person.

“We will be doing it again next year even bigger.”

It comes after long-term Marlow resident Michael New criticised a lack of English flags being flown around the town for the national holiday.

He said: “I could only find three places in central Marlow flying St George’s flags. These were the Royal British Legion Club, the Compleat Angler and the Duke of Cambridge pub.

“Shame on Marlow Town Council for not flying one on The Causeway. If we were in the USA on Independence Day, there would be flags everywhere.”

St George’s Day has been celebrated in England since the early 15th century and was once considered as important as Christmas.

While it has lessened in significance, it is still celebrated by many, with activities such as traditional Morris dancing, Punch and Judy shows, flying the English flag, and singing the hymn ‘Jerusalem’.

Marlow Town Council has been approached for comment.