A pub formerly titled Shoulder of Mutton has scrapped its long standing name in a bid to attract more vegans and vegetarians to dine there.

The city centre pub in Heworth Green, York, has boasted the title for over half a century, but was recently renamed Heworth Inn after a new landlady took over.

Leah Stannard, the pub’s landlady, has been criticised by locals for offering a new menu with a third of all dishes being suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

One person said: “Shame something like the name of a traditional pub has to change just because somebody doesn't agree with it. There are a lot of things I do not agree with but won't get changed, so things like a name of a pub with a non-discriminatory name should be left alone.”

Miss Stannard, 40, who hopes the site will become a licensed wedding venue next year, defended her decision by saying the current name will not be popular with future brides.