A Merseyside pub has taken a ‘tongue in cheek’ swipe at key members of the Government by renaming itself ‘The Three Bellends’. 

A new sign outside what was The James Atherton now features an unflattering collage of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his adviser Dominic Cummings and Health Secretary Matt Hancock  – all with bells on their heads.

The Wirral venue’s temporary rebrand comes after the Liverpool City Region was placed under tier three coronavirus restrictions and amid growing anger at the Government’s handling of the crisis. 

The pub’s crest has been changed from a portrait of James Atherton, the founder of the New Brighton area, to a mocking dig at the Conservative trio, as the pub’s owner warned: ‘The gloves are off’.  

The PM is front and centre in the sign, flanked by Mr Hancock and Mr Cummings, all of whom are sporting unimpressed expressions and have large bells covering their heads. 

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Downing Street did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Metro.co.uk.

Locals have accused the Government of ‘singling out’ Liverpool amid a rise in Covid-19 cases – and many sympathise with the joke at the group’s expense.

Daniel Davies, chief executive of Rockpoint Leisure, which owns the venue in Victoria Road, said: ‘Whilst the renaming of the pub is clearly tongue in cheek, as far as I’m concerned the gloves are off and ministers need to understand the gravity of the perilous situation they have placed us in.

‘This is a town that finally feels like it’s on the up and we need funding immediately to protect our businesses and support our staff.

‘Yet again it feels as though Liverpool and its environs have been singled out. Winter is around the corner and we need tangible actions and solutions by those in power – now.’

Mori Sert, who lives around the corner from the pub, added: ‘I think this response defines the North in a nutshell.

‘No matter what hits us, we’ll never lose our spirit and humour.’

Mr Sert, 26, said the pub’s new look has caused ‘a real buzz’ in the area, with people flocking to it to take pictures of its new sign.

One Facebook user, Mike Kinealy, added: ‘Legend! I’ll make a trip just for a pint if they keep it.’

But there is real anger behind the mocking of Mr Johnson, Mr Hancock and Mr Cummings.

Mr Davies, the owner of Rockport Leisure, which has invested in a number of regeneration projects in the town in recent years, continued: ‘(The new sign) is a reflection of what the community thinks about them and their decision making.

‘The government has unequivocally blamed our sector for being fundamental in the spreading of Covid-19, despite there being overwhelming evidence to prove otherwise.’

Pubs and bars will be forced to shut under tier three rules, unless they convert into restaurants. 

Mr Davies continued: ‘Our business has been decimated and their lack of action has compounded the problem.

‘Westminster’s further decision to pick and choose which types of venue may open, based on those serving meals for example, is mind-boggling.’

Mr Davies said his company will try to top up his staff’s furlough pay to help them survive during the lockdown, but added they do not have an ‘unlimited budget’.

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