This was published 8 years ago
Brisbane restaurant British Colonial Co. criticised over name
By Amy Mitchell-Whittington
A Brisbane restaurant has been criticised online for celebrating the "stylish days" of the British Empire's push into "developing cultures of the world".
British Colonial Co. opened in Hawthorne on July 1 and boasts a "safari style setting", with the "promise of adventure and modern refinement".
The statement can be found on the British Colonial Co. website.Credit: http://www.britishcolonialco.com.au/
"Inspired by the stylish days of the empirical push into the developing cultures of the world, with the promise of adventure and modern, refinement in a safari style setting," the restaurant website states.
The statement has left many online shocked.
"It's a theme - not a very good one. But it's nothing but a poorly thought out hipster theme, a hallmark of gentrification," wrote one Facebook commenter.
"Racism has become so normalised that peolpe (sic) have no idea just how insensitive their actions and words are," wrote another.
A statement from the restaurant claims it is very proud of its "brand, dining experience" and was "upset" its brand was causing offence.
"We believe that our décor and menu has great synergy with Brisbane's climate and the expansive palette of our clientele, who are looking for a melting pot of food and beverages to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere," the statement read.
"We are therefore upset and saddened by today's media reports that our brand is causing offence and distress to some members of the community. This certainly was not our intention."