... is not as interesting. There are some great pub names in England; far more that are striking and often far different than what you'll find in the States. One I like is the Back of Beyond (pictured above). The name comes from a term used for any remote area (I'd never heard the term before coming here); it's kind of like the American expression that something is located in Bum F*** Egypt (also referred to as BFE) or Bum F*** Nowhere (BFN). Saying "Back of Beyond" makes me think of some far off, mystical land. As it applies to this pub, however, it denotes a cozy place where the food and drink are cheap (for England, anyway). You can get a burger, fries and a drink (beer, wine or cola) for about $9.
Some other interesting pub names in Reading: Great Expectations, The Queen's Head, The Monk's Retreat, The Hobgoblin, The Jolly Porter, The Purple Turtle, Pavlov's Dog, and The Upin Arms (I love this name!).
Know of a cool or funny pub name in Reading or elsewhere? Please share!
The history of pub names is a fascinating subject. They've been inspired by religion, royalty, lust, pride, ambition, heroes and scandal and together they form a pictorial history of Britain from Roman times to the present day. As well as the odd names you've posted I can add the Amble Inn, the Last Drop Inn and the Dew Drop Inn. Even if your local's name isn't quite so funny, I suggest checking out its history - you could find it has an illustrious or rather dark past!
ReplyDeleteElaine Saunders
Author: A Book About Pub Names