Jerry Kunkler, owner of the Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey, Wiltshire, is facing scrutiny from Wiltshire Council after an anonymous complaint labeled his large St George’s Cross mural as resembling “the headquarters of the National Front.”
The white pub, prominently featuring the red cross, was first painted in 2016 to celebrate the Euros and was refreshed in 2022 for the World Cup in the Middle East. Mr. Kunkler, who has been running the Moonrakers Inn since 1981 and is Wiltshire’s longest-serving councillor, says the emblem represents patriotism and support for English sports teams.
“We painted it first for the Euros in 2016, then again in 2022 for the World Cup in Saudi,” Kunkler explained. “I’m patriotic and thought it was a way to bring support here—the pub is a sports bar after all. There’s been a lot of fuss recently about St George’s Crosses flying across the UK, but this has been here a long time and has never been about anything political.”
READ MORE: Monty Don Reflects on the Complex Start of His Marriage Amid Difficult Choices
READ MORE: Teen Arrested in Cheltenham for Drug Dealing and Riding Illegal High-Speed E-Bike
The complaint triggered an official investigation by Wiltshire Council, which oversees the Pewsey Conservation Area where the Grade II listed Moonrakers sits. Adrian Foster, cabinet member for planning, confirmed that changes to the building’s external paint may require Listed Building Consent and the council will review the matter according to its planning enforcement policy.
In response to the allegations, Kunkler emphasized, “I have always run a family-friendly, inclusive pub. It’s an English supporting club, yes, and we promote England rugby and football games, but it’s definitely not political. It was strange to receive that complaint, but I will follow the proper channels moving forward.”
The Moonrakers Inn is also culturally significant, having inspired Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play Jerusalem. It has hosted numerous community events over the decades, including celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee and St George’s Day, with the interior often decorated in keeping with such occasions.
“I’m a bit of a royalist—I was lucky enough to meet the Queen in 2012,” Kunkler added with pride. “This is an old-fashioned English supporting pub, open to all families and fans alike.”