The Morning Advertiser’s top 50 most popular pub names

By MA editorial

- Last updated on GMT

Top of the pops: is your pub name in our top 50?
Top of the pops: is your pub name in our top 50?
An analysis of data provided by readers of the Morning Advertiser has revealed the top 50 most popular pub names in the UK.

REd lion sign small v2

The Crown pub sign small

royal oak pub sign small

Is your pub name on the list? And which pub names did you expect to see that didn't make the top 50? Send us your pub sign pictures on Facebook page or on Twitter.

Top 10

1. Red Lion - unsurprising given it's popularity as a name across the UK

2. The Crown - for pubs that supported king, or queen, and country

3. Royal Oak - another monarchy related moniker, often associated with oaks used to build the royal fleet

4. White Hart - a royal crest

5. The Swan - urban myth says that they can break your arm, but not when you're safe in a pub named after one

6. The Plough - self explanatory, and common in rural areas

7. The Bell - frequently used for pubs near stations from the time when a bell used to ring to signify a train was leaving the station 

8. Rose & Crown - often a nod to one of two rival branches of the royal house of Plantagenet: a red rose for the house of Lancaster or a white rose for the house of York. Later a red and white rose united for Henry Tudor. 

9. Queens Head - in honour of one of the country's many illustrious queens

10. Railway Tavern - often found next to the tracks, hopefully on the right side of them...

11-20

11. The Ship

12. Kings Arms

13. White Horse

14. Kings Head

15. Chequers

16. Rising Sun

17. The George

18. Fox & Hounds

19. Prince of Wales

20. Black Horse

 

21-30

21. The Fox

22. Cross Keys

23. The Star

24. Three Horseshoes

25. The Greyhound

26. Coach & Horses

27. The Victoria

28. George & Dragon

29. Masons Arms

30. Hare & Hounds

  • For more on pub names, read our feature​ on the stories behind them and what licensees should do if they want to change the name of their pub. 

31-40

31. White Lion

32. The Sun

33. White Swan

34. Nags Head

35. Carpenters Arms

36. Duke of York

37. Cricketers

38. Windmill

39. Black Lion

40. Travellers Rest

 

41-50

41. Station Hotel

42. Golden Lion

43. Bird in Hand

44. Black Bull

45. Horse & Groom

46. Butchers Arms

47. Bulls Head

48. The Beehive

49. The Anchor

50. The Angel

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