Hollywood company sues British pub over its name
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A popular pub in Southampton is part of a legal battle with Hollywood because of its name.
The 20-year-old themed bar, named the Hobbit, has visitors from all over the country. It features colourful paintings of characters from the novel of the same name and sells cocktails named after the characters, with drinks named Bilbo, Frodo and Gandalf.
But US film company Middle-earth Enterprises, which owns the film rights to JRR Tolkien's work, claims that the pub is profiting from its connection with the franchise.
The pub has been told that it must completely rebrand, which means changing its name, drinks, artwork and decor, before the end of May or face legal action.
A campaign to save the Hobbit Pub has been launched and so far has 3,000 followers.
Landlady and Tolkien fan Stella Roberts told the Daily Mail that she was taking legal advice, but did not have the resources to fight a multi-million pound company. She said:
"The pub has been called The Hobbit for more than 20 years and it has never been a problem.
It has always been a tribute to Tolkien's work and not a case of us jumping on a commercial bandwagon."
A multi-million pound blockbuster of the The Hobbit is due to be released later this year.
Ten of the best UK pubs with rooms
- Best for... cool bedrooms<p> The Anchor Inn in Lower Froyle, Hampshire. This pub may date back to the 16th Century but it boasts all you can desire in terms of modern comfort, including one room with a beautiful outdoor terrace. This little gem boasts log fires, a classic English menu which changes with the seasons, plus five chic vintage-inspired bedrooms (with power showers, flat screen TVs and fine linens), each named after the great war poets. Visit <a href="http://www.anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk/">anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
- Best for... cider fans<p> The <a href="http://www.bellinnbramshaw.co.uk/">Bell Inn</a>, Bramshaw, Hampshire. Built in 1782, this pub combines period features with contemporary style. Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in the tranquil hamlet of Bramshaw, yet only one minute from the M27, The Bell Inn has been a popular free house for over 200 years, and offers a fine selection of real ales, West Country ciders, and wines from around the world.</p> <p> </p>
- Best for... city lovers<p> The Fox & Anchor in chic Clerkenwell, London. Renovated, restored and now returned to its former glory, this Victorian pub is faithful to its English origins and has been pulling pints for the workers of Smithfield market, which sits opposite the building, for more than 100 years. Bedrooms have original fireplaces, lattice windows and en-suite bathrooms with claw-footed bathtubs and enormous copper hand basins. Visit <a href="http://www.foxandanchor.com">foxananchor.com</a></p>
- Best for... great views<p> A cosy retreat in a peaceful setting on the edge of Dartmoor with stunning views, the <a href="http://www.elephantsnest.co.uk/">Elephant's Nest </a>Inn in Dartmoor, Devon boasts an oak-beamed bar with log fire, hearty seasonal fare and three luxury ensuite guest rooms. The Elephant's Nest is one of only three pubs in Devon to feature in every edition of <em>The Good Pub Guide</em> since it began publication 27 years ago.</p>
- Best for... whiskey fans<p> <strong>The Lamb at Hindon, Wiltshire.</strong> Stay here and you'll find quirky, stylish rooms in the tiny village of Hindon, Wiltshire. In honour of the Scottish owners, each room is decorated in tartan and named after a different brand of whiskey, offered for you to try in the room. Visitors are welcome to drink it for a small honesty box charge. Visit <a href="http://www.lambathindon.co.uk/">lambathindon.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
- Best for...quirky rooms<p> <strong>The Bull and Swan, Burghley, Lincolnshire. </strong>This coaching inn dates back several hundreds of years and is a one off. Rooms with names such as Wild Horse and Badger, after the pseudonyms of some of the members of the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam, a drinking club which dates back to 1684. Visit <a href="http://www.thebullandswan.co.uk/?gclid=CLnQ_9qLuLMCFRR7nAodskkAuA" target="_blank">thebullandswan.co.uk</a>.</p>
- Best for.... picture-postcard location<p> <strong>The Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk, County Durham.</strong></p> <p> This multi-award-winning 18th century coaching inn is situated in the middle of three village greens in a village less than 30 minutes from the centre of Durham. The bedrooms are luxurious and all individual. The Rose and Crown features in the Good Food Guide and is also an Inspector's Favourite in the 2011 <em>Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide</em>. Visit <a href="http://www.rose-and-crown.co.uk/">rose-and-crown.co.uk</a></p>
- Best for... de-stressing<p> <strong>The Crown at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire, South Wales</strong></p> <p> Set in five acres of tranquil, landscaped gardens in the heart of the Wye Valley, <a href="http://www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk/">The Crown at Whitebrook</a> is one of Wales's first restaurants with rooms and one of a handful of restaurants in Wales to boast a Michelin star. With eight luxurious bedrooms and a stylish but comfortable restaurant, it has lovingly been described as a 'romantic auberge'.</p>
- Best for... welcoming atmosphere<p> Open the doors of the <a href="http://www.generaltarleton.co.uk/">General Tarleton</a> in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire, and you'll find log fires, Yorkshire ales, cracking wine, amazing food and 14 luxurious and well-equipped bedrooms with a supply of home-made biscuits and facilities for making tea, coffee and hot-chocolate, plus flat-screen TVs and wireless internet connection.</p>
