A COCKATOO has become a regular at a Darwen pub after it ruffled feathers and was barred from another.


David Wilson, who owns Calypso Caribbean restaurant in Blackburn, was told by bar staff at The Old Chapel in Darwen that he couldn’t bring six-years-old ‘Leo’ inside.

Mr Wilson, 51, had gone to visit friends at the Wetherspoon pub in Railway Road, but was told to leave by staff due to a ‘no pets except guide dogs’ policy.

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Refusing to give up, Mr Wilson took his feathery friend to The Victoria in Sudell Road, and has become a familiar sight at the bar.


Mr Wilson, who bought Leo in Birmingham three months ago, said: “We were welcomed with open arms at The Victoria.


“Leo is an extremely intelligent and tame bird, he is very well behaved and never flies away too far.


“When we go to the pub he is very well behaved.

“Leo will sit on other customer’s shoulders quietly, see what they are drinking and then find someone else to sit on. It annoyed me when I was told to leave as Leo does no harm, as if I thought he was going to cause trouble or peck someone I wouldn’t take him with me.

“He’s part of the furniture at the pub where the staff are really great with him.

“His favourite drink is Red Stripe beer.

“But he will try anything if it’s given to him, especially as he’s not paying for it.”


Cockatoos are part of the Cacatuidae bird family and they originate from Australasia and Indonesia.

Emma Walker, landlady of The Victoria, said: “The customers love him.

“And some have told me that they’ve come to the pub to catch a glimpse of him.

“I think it’s unique to have a bird like this regularly come into my pub.

“I don’t see the problem with it, especially with his nice manner.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can understand Dave’s disappointment, however, our pubs do not let pets in, with the exception of registered guide dogs.

“We have to maintain this ruling, otherwise we might find our customers turning up for a pint with a pet rat or snake, which wouldn’t be great.

“Hopefully Dave will return to the pub for a drink and he can then tell his pet parrot about his visit when he goes home.”