By Charlie Fenton
Staff at an historic Lake District pub have been left ‘heartbroken’ after their beloved stuffed badger mascot was stolen during their Xmas party.
Bertie Badger has been a popular feature at the Badger Bar in Rydal, Cumbria, for more than half a century.
However the black and white stripped brock was nicked while accompanying bar staff on a Christmas meal at a neighbouring watering hole, the White Lion Hotel, in Ambleside.
The much-loved mascot who has been described as the “pride” of the boozer was taken during the staff Christmas dinner at around 10 pm on Monday, December 8.
Paul Knowles, Badger Bar owner, said staff had taken him with them and dressed with in tinsel and a Santa hat before placing him at the head of the table.
But when they left for a couple of minutes to take part in karaoke, they returned to find Bertie missing.
Staff then reported that he was taken to Cumbria police who have since opened an investigation to find him.
CCTV footage from the White Lion shows the culprit carrying Bertie out of the building – it has since been shared with police.
Following his disappearance, Paul said: “He has been a fixture in the pub for the past 50 years.
“Everyone loved him, taking pictures or patting him on his head.
“We were all shocked when he went missing – we couldn’t believe anybody would do such a thing.
“Someone who has had a couple of drinks has thought it a good idea to take him.
“Hopefully he is on someone’s sofa safe and sound and the person is just confused for how he he ended up with a badger.”
He also urges locals to keep their eyes peeled for sightings.
Though he has asked the person who took Bertie to leave him on the pubs porch saying he “isn’t interested in pressing charges he just wants him back”.
Customers were outraged at his disappearance, calling Bertie an Ambleside “institution” with one saying the incident was “ridiculous”.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating a report of a theft which occurred at the White Lion Hotel in Ambleside on 8 December.
“During the incident a stuffed badger was taken from the premises which holds great sentimental value to the owner.
“Anyone with information on the theft can report it online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it , quoting incident number 296 of 8 December 2025, or call 101.
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.
