YUSU The Lounge to be renamed ‘Long Boi’s Lounge’ with Greg James hosting official opening

The University of York’s Students’ Union (YUSU) has announced plans to rename its campus venue, The Lounge, as “Long Boi’s Lounge” in honour of the anniversary of his longness’ passing. 

In a leaked email from a YUSU staff member, YUSU confirmed that the bar will be officially opened by no other than Radio 1 DJ and Long Boi super-fan, Greg James.

Along with the name change, The bar and event space will be undergoing a renovation and is set to reopen at 7pm on 11th May, exactly a year on from last year’s announcement of the celebrity duck’s passing. 

Having recently revamped another SU venue, The Glasshouse, YUSU now plans to give The Lounge a themed makeover before its reopening which will be completely focussed, of course, on York’s campus’ wildlife and waterfowl.

From May 11th, the Lounge will be named “Long Boi’s Lounge” and a plaque will be displayed showing a photo of the late mallard and the inscription: “Our dearly cherished boi, you will be remembered for a löng time”. 

Staff members received an invitation from YUSU confirming that the reopening event on the 11th will be hosted by Long Boi’s number one fan, Greg James. YUSU explained that Greg will be coming to campus on the 11th to tour the grounds once blessed by the king of Campus West and “say hello to Long Boi’s friends and family in Derwent” before hosting the bar’s reopening.

As the anniversary of Long Boi’s confirmed passing approaches, YUSU has said it “had to do something big”, and has decided to dedicate The Lounge to “our beloved löngthy boi”. 

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The sad news of his passing last year saw tributes pour in not only across campus, but across the country, with doughnuts, club nights, and even a minutes quacking live on BBC Radio 1. More recently, YUSU announced that £5,527 had been raised to create a statue of Long Boi on campus, promising it will be on display “at some point”. 

The opening of Long Boi’s Lounge will come with a new themed menu, with drinks and cocktails created with wildlife in mind.

April, a third year student studying history at the University of York told The York Tab about her excitement to try the duck themed drinks, as well as see Greg on campus. She said: “Campus hasn’t been the same without Long Boi, and I’m really looking forward to seeing his new Lounge and to try a couple new duck and wildlife themed drinks and cocktails. Oh and of course I’m excited for Greg James to be there – how cool is that?”

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Featured image via Google Maps and Instagram @greg_james