Top 10 Most Popular Pub Names on Stay in a Pub
Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.08.21
The Great British Pub is an icon in British culture, with an estimated 45,350 pubs spread across the UK. While the number of pubs has declined in recent years, they continue to be beloved by both locals and tourists alike. Among these, many offer accommodation, with Stay in a Pub showcasing over 1,500 such establishments. Each pub boasts a unique history often reflected in its name, with many sharing common, traditional titles.
So, which is the most popular pub name on Stay in a Pub and how does that compare to the national list by pubnames.co.uk?
10. Royal Oak
In 10th place on Stay in a Pub but 2nd nationally is “Royal Oak”. This name stems from a significant event in English history. In 1651, during the Battle of Worcester, Prince Charles Stuart was defeated by Cromwell and became an outlaw. To escape, he disguised himself and famously hid in an oak tree at Boscobel House in Shropshire for a day. After fleeing to France, he returned to England as Charles II, and the tree became known as the Royal Oak, inspiring many pubs to adopt this name.
Pubs named Royal Oak:
The Royal Oak, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire
9. The King’s Head
At number 9 on Stay in a Pub’s list and 7th nationally is “The King’s Head”. During King Richard II’s reign in 1393, pubs were required to display signs for identification, leading many to show loyalty to the monarchy by featuring the king’s heraldic badge. Similar to “The King’s Arms,” names like “King’s Head” indicated allegiance and could also signify a royal license.
Pubs named The King’s Head:
The King’s Head Inn, Newton under Roseberry, North Yorkshire
The King’s Head, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire
The King’s Head, Hursley, Hampshire
8. The Castle
Next is “The Castle”, which ranks 8th on Stay in a Pub and 38th nationally. The name may refer to the coat of arms of Castile in Spain, suggesting that the pub served Spanish wines, or it may indicate that the pub held a royal license to operate, like “The Queen & Castle,” which implies royal approval.
Pubs named The Castle:
The Castle, Castleton, Derbyshire
The Castle Hotel, Conwy, Clwyd
The Castle Inn, West Lulworth, Dorset
7. The Bell
Taking the seventh spot on Stay in a Pub’s list of most popular pub names is “The Bell”, which ranks 15th nationally. This name often has religious connotations, as many pubs were located near churches and used bells as a symbol of their connection to the community.
Pubs named The Bell:
The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex
The Bell, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
The Bell, Alderminster, Warwickshire
The Bell, Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire
6. The Crown
At number six on Stay in a Pub and third nationally is “The Crown”. The name carries a serious tone; in earlier times, many kings and queens faced beheading or dethronement. By choosing a generic name like “The Crown,” pub owners could imply support for the current ruler without the need to rename their establishments based on who was in power.
Pubs named The Crown:
The Crown, Chislehurst, Greater London
The Crown Inn, East Rudham, Norfolk
The Crown Inn, Dial Post, West Sussex
5. The King’s Arms
Fifth on Stay in a Pub and 8th nationally is “The King’s Arms”. This name likely emerged during the Reformation to show loyalty to the king, as many pubs previously bore religious names. Additionally, having “The King’s Arms” as a pub name might have indicated that a pub held a special royal license to operate.
Pubs named The King’s Arms:
The King’s Arms, Dorchester, Dorset
The King’s Arms, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
The King’s Arms, Knowle, West Midlands
4. The George
Taking fourth place on the Stay in a Pub list and 20th across the UK is “The George”. This name is popular for a couple of reasons. In 1780, to celebrate King George III’s coronation, all pubs granted a license were named “The Royal George.” Additionally, in 1327, King Edward III declared St. George the patron saint of England, which made “George & the Dragon” a common pub name.
Pubs named The George:
The George, Hathersage, Derbyshire
The George Hotel, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The George Hotel, Cranbrook, Kent
The George Hotel, Hayfield, Derbyshire
3. The White Hart
Next on the list of popular pub names on Stay in a Pub is “The White Hart”, coming in 4th on the national list. In the 14th century, King Richard II had a white stag, or “white hart,” on his official badge. He ordered that all inns and pubs display signs so people could easily recognise them as places to drink. As a result, many pub owners used the white hart from his badge as both the symbol and name for their pubs.
Pubs named The White Hart:
The White Hart, Near Chippenham, Wiltshire
The White Hart, Somerton, Somerset
The White Hart, Overton, Hampshire
The White Hart, South Harting, West Sussex
2. The Swan
Second on the list of the most popular pub names on Stay in a Pub is “The Swan”, which ranks 9th nationally. The Swan is believed to be associated with reigning monarchs, as swans have historically been owned by the Crown, making it a symbol with royal connection.
Pubs named The Swan:
The Swan, Bibury, Gloucestershire
The Swan Inn, Horning, Norfolk
1. The Red Lion
The most popular pub name on Stay in a Pub, and across nationwide, is “The Red Lion”. The name is believed to originate from the coat of arms of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, in the 1300s. Its popularity increased when King James VI mandated the display of the red lion on pubs and important buildings.
Pubs named The Red Lion:
The Red Lion, Radlett, Hertfordshire
The Red Lion Hotel, Hillingdon, Greater London
The Red Lion, Cosham, Hampshire
The Red Lion, Charing Heath, Kent