The Great British Pun-Off: Shop Names That Are Next-Level Punny

So many entrepreneurs spend a lot of time worrying about what to name their new business. As is written in all of the business books, your company name should represent what you sell and the type of brand you represent. Thinking up a good name all seems like a serious business – if you’ll pardon the pun! But as these British shops and companies have proved, there is nothing better than choosing a name that turns heads! There is no denying that the British are well known for their witty sense of humor and opportune use of puns. Some British business owners have gone one step further and even incorporated their funny side into their choice of shop names! They might not be the most original of puns, but they certainly grab your attention and make it difficult to forget their names! Would you work with one of these companies?

Surelock Holmes

We don’t think we’ve ever come across a locksmith company that sounds more secure?! Not only does the name make sense if you read it as “sure lock homes,” but it also cleverly sounds and looks like the name of the world’s most famous fictional detective!

This locksmith is a pun on the fictional private detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is well known for being highly proficient and observant, which is probably what the company is trying to convey about their work.

The Rolling Cones

Who would have imagined that a business name, inspired by the rock band The Rolling Stones, would make such good branding for an ice-cream stand? This ice-cream van has named itself The Rolling Cones, and they’ve even added the famous tongue logo on the side of their van!

This is a fantastic example of good branding! It just goes to show how you can use an idea that is completely unrelated to your area of business and use it to differentiate your brand and stand out from the crowd! It sure makes a change from naming your ice-cream cart “Mr. Whippy” as they are so commonly named!

Game of Scones

Scones are a popular sweet treat served as a mid-morning snack around 11am, when you attend a high tea, or as part of a cream tea. Although, you can, of course, enjoy a traditional English scone at any time of the day.

That said, scones are considered an old-fashioned dessert that has even deterred some of the trendy, young people from eating them! So it’s great that this scone shop has chosen to connect with a younger audience by naming their business Game of Scones, after the hit TV series Game of Thrones! The scone lives on!

Tequila Mockingbird

As the name suggests, Tequila Mockingbird is a bar and restaurant. When you read it aloud, it does sound almost identical to the book title “To Kill a Mockingbird.” In case you haven’t read the book and are unaware of the plot, there are no similarities between bars, tequila, and the story.

Not only is this a good marketing tactic in the way they’ve sort of created a homophone from their company name, but it may also fool people into thinking that the author wrote the book inside the restaurant. Similar restaurants and coffee shops have also tried this tactic with J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series, so it is possible.

Frying Nemo

Vegans, look away! Who could forget the cute little Clownfish, Nemo, from Disney’s Finding Nemo? Well, the owner of this traditional fish and chip shop clearly has a black sense of humor, choosing to name their chip shop Frying Nemo!

While this is probably very off-putting to some, there are clearly enough customers keeping the take-out food shop open. Of course, Frying Nemo is unlikely to sell fried or battered Clownfish on their menus, as traditionally it is cod or haddock that is served with a portion of fries. If that’s any consolation…

Ghost Bus Tours

If you’re looking to book a relaxing and fun-packed tour with a professional bus firm, who ‘ya gonna call?! Ghost Bus Tours! Hands up, who now has the Ghostbusters theme song stuck in their heads?! After seeing this photo, we do!

The good news is that this is just a standard bus tour company, and signing up to take a trip with them doesn’t mean that you will have to go out fighting evil ghosts in and around your town. Sorry to disappoint you if that was what you were expecting.

Tree Wise Men

When you’ve encountered problems in your home or garden, have you ever wished for three wise men to come and help you out? Well, although the original Three Wise Men might be somewhat unavailable, the Tree Wise Men are ready to help you, or at least if it involves your trees!

Depending on the religious views of the individual, many have doubted the existence of the Three Wise Men in the Christmas Eve story, the Tree Wise Men definitely exist, and they are happy to provide you with heavenly tree services!

Lino Richie

This British flooring company has the catchiest name! Lino Richie is clearly a spin on the name of the singer, Lionel Richie. What’s even more amusing is that the company has taken inspiration from a line in Lionel Richie’s song “Hello” for their tagline.

Lino Richie “Is it me your looking floor?” Strongly associating your business with a singer and, in particular, one of their songs must mean that the company’s owner is either a big Lionel Richie fan or, if not, they are probably sick to death of the song “Hello” by now!

Jack The Clipper

The historians among you will know that Jack the Ripper famously terrorized the Whitechapel district during 1888. Due to the fact that he remained an unidentifiable serial killer, he wasn’t called Jack the Ripper at the time and instead given the name “The Whitechapel Murderer.”

So when this mens’ barbers opened, what did they name their shop? Jack the Clipper! In the window, you will see written: “For the shave of your life!” So long as the murderous barber Sweeny Todd doesn’t work there, you’re pretty safe!

Shrimply the Best

Tina Turner’s hit song Simply the Best is known globally. It’s one of those songs that can be used on adverts, films, in your branding, and it seems, according to this seafood stall, as a tagline to help you sell shrimp!

This is Rod’s Seafood stand, and Rod wants you to know that his shrimp is Shrimply the Best! We imagine that this funny tagline helps him to attract attention and gain a fair deal of customers. After all, what’s a better testimonial than being, putting it simply, Shrimply the Best?!

Harris on Ford

We can only imagine how excited the locals in this town were when these Ford repair specialists emerged on to the scene. Unfortunately, Hollywood actor Harrison Ford isn’t there at the shop, waiting to do your MOT! But isn’t it a catchy pun?

There is also a slight chance that this choice of name might cause confusion amongst those who don’t know much about the Ford car company. Just to clarify, the actor Harrison Ford has nothing to do with the Ford car company, nor was he the original founder. Ford was originally established by Henry Ford, not Harrison Ford!

British Hairways

British Hairways is an award-winning hair salon for men. Whoever took charge of branding this business was very smart. They even labeled the building “Gents Hairdressing Lounge,” inspired by an airport departure lounge. Of course, the branding bears a striking resemblance to the airline company British Airways!

They’ve even copied the logo, the color palette, and even the fonts! Fortunately, this hair salon has not faced any issues from British Airways over their use of visual branding and business name! Perhaps because it is funny and let’s face it, nobody is going to get confused and walk into a men’s hairdresser, mistaking it for an airport!

Vlad The Inhaler

Vape much? You want to head down to Vlad The Inhaler! Vlad The Inhaler is a British e-cigarette and e-liquids store. The name of the store has clearly been derived from Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad III or Vlad Dracula.

The inspiration behind the name is quite fitting, seeing as the store does appear to have a spooky, medieval vibe about it! But when you have to resort to visiting a shop called Vlad the Inhaler to purchase your tobacco fix, it might be time to quit the habit altogether, don’t you think?!

Hairy Pop-Ins

We all know of Mary Poppins, everybody’s favorite nanny – practically perfect in every single way! It’s just a shame that there wasn’t a Mary Poppins for animals, not just children. A pet sitter who is practically perfect in every way. Oh, wait, there is!

Allow us to introduce you to Hairy Poppins – everybody’s favorite pet sitter! There is no pet too big or small for Hairy Poppins. She will walk your dog, train your cat, and even feed your toad! Hairy Poppins even has the famous black umbrella.

Melon Cauli

Don’t be fooled! In case you were wondering, this isn’t how you spell the word melancholy! Admittedly, melancholy isn’t used as much today as it was in the early twentieth century; for those who don’t know, melancholy means to express sadness or a depressed mood.

Melon Cauli is a great name for this vegetable stall. For one, melon and cauliflower are most likely sold at the stall, and two, because it sounds like melancholy when you say the name out loud. The stall also offers flowers, bouquets and funeral work can be undertaken through them too. Now we can see what is depressing about it.

Jamaican Me Hungry

This one might be a little difficult to figure out until you try saying this shop name with a Jamaican accent. It will come out sounding a little like, “You’re making me hungry.” What an appetite-inducing way to entice new customers into your restaurant?!

Jamaican Me Hungry is a restaurant that offers Caribbean cuisine. Quite often, when it comes to foreign cuisine restaurants in Britain, their names are typically quite simple, such as “Caribbean Restaurant,” for example. But this one is very unique and a great way of standing out!

Planet Of The Crepes

Don’t get us wrong, we all love a crepe from time to time, but if that’s all you’re going to sell, it can be hard differentiating your business name. What do you call yourself to stand out from the crowd? “Tasty Crepes?” Or “Crepes-to-go?”

Better yet, this crepe shop owner has come up with a name that is rather unique, and therefore there is a slim chance they will be mistaken for another crepe cafe! Planet of the Crepes! Ok, so it might not be totally unique in the way that it sounds very similar to the movie, Planet of the Apes, but for a crepe store, it definitely is one of a kind!

Nomino’s Nom Nom Nom

In recent years, the use of the term “nom” has become very popular in the UK. It is a word used to express pleasure at eating tasty food. Typically when people use this word, they will use the same word two or three times, such as nom, nom, nom. It also sounds a bit like the noise you make when you eat.

So naturally, what better name is there for a fast-food restaurant? Only this name looks strikingly familiar! And that’s because it was inspired by the fast food pizza chain Dominos. We do have to admit, though, Nomino’s sounds more appetizing and appealing than Domino’s, which makes us think of the game with the little wooden playing pieces.

Oh My Cod!

Ok, so not everyone feels comfortable using the phrase “oh my god!” because they believe it puts the Lord’s name in vain. However, it does a commonly used expression in the English language, and let’s face it, a much better way to express disbelief than swearing!

The term “Oh My God” is usually used to express various strong emotions, from frustration, happiness, anger, excitement, and shock! This fish and chip shop created a cool spin on this phrase by naming their business Oh My Cod! It’s a fun way to suggest how tasty their fish and chips are!

Barber Streisand

Barber Streisand is a men’s barbershop. However, the shop owner has created a very quirky name, which sounds very much like Barbara Streisand, the actress and singer. We have to ask, of all the famous Barbaras in the world, why Barbara Streisand?

Given that this hair salon is named after a famous female singer, we’re not sure that it was the best name for a men’s barbershop. On the other hand, it’s a comical name that everyone can have a laugh over. Plus, when visiting here, you get to use the phrase “I’m off to visit Barber Streisand!”

Bagman and Robin

As far as we can see from this street, there are not one but two puny shop names, and they happen to be right next to each other. Yes, you guessed it! Next to Barber Streisand is Bagman and Robin! This street must be a fun place to work and visit!

Bagman and Robin is a bag store, but of course, it sounds like Batman and Robin, which is clearly where they copied the name from. We think they should carry on the theme of puny shop names on this street!

Back to the Fuchsia

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a keen fan of the film sequel or not; we are sure everybody has heard of the movie franchise Back to the Future. We’re not sure how this florist business is related to the film, other than for changing “future” to “fuchsia.”

Fuchsia is a type of flower, so the business name is fitting in that respect, perhaps enticing you back to having fuchsias and other flowers in your home? You know how usually you can never remember the name of the florist you’ve ordered from? Well, this name is likely to stick in your mind!

Florist Gump

Florist Gump is a very creative and unusual name for a florist business. It must be difficult thinking of good names for a flower shop. As a florist, you cater for so many occasions, from weddings and christenings to funerals and less happy events.

So when you think up a name for your shop, it needs to be one that covers all of the services you offer. You’ve probably already guessed which popular film name this sounds like. Yes, Forest Gump, the film about the man who disappeared for years after only going for a walk.

Thai-Tanic

We’re not trying to offer you a business lesson here. However, many branding experts say that your business brand should be difficult to forget rather than easy to remember! In other words, it’s not about naming your business something easy and simple but something that customers and potential clients will struggle to forget!

How about this one then? A Thai restaurant called Thai-Tanic! It’s difficult to find a person who hasn’t watched the 1997 hit movie Titanic, which was based on the true events of the “unsinkable ship.” It’s certainly more unique than just being yet another Thai food restaurant!

Chisel Me Timbers

Chisel Me Timbers might sound like a catchy name for a joinery business, but what does it mean, and where is the pun in this one?! That’s because it has been made to sound like an expression that originates from British English and is an old-fashioned saying at that!

Chisel Me Timbers is a spin on “shiver me timbers” or “shiver my timbers,” as it is also typically known in standard English. It’s a phrase known as nautical slang, that was often used by sailors to express anger, fear or shock.

Planet Of The Grapes

Who remembers the film series Planet of the Apes? The main plot of the story is that on the planet where they live, apes are the rulers, and humans are the slaves. This wine and spirits shop has taken inspiration from the name of the film franchise by naming their shop Planet of the Grapes.

As funny as the name might sound, it’s easy to guess what the shop sells without even knowing what’s inside. While on the one hand, it might sell grapes, it makes more sense for the shop to sell wine and, perhaps, spirits derived from grapes.

Bin’N’Tonic

Bin’N’Tonic: give your bin the perfect pick me up. This rubbish disposal company has a name you won’t forget. The name, Bin’N’Tonic, is a reworking of the classic drink – gin and tonic. And although this company refers to a “pick me up” as picking up your garbage bin, in the UK the phrase also has another meaning.

In Britain, they have a thing called a “pick me up.” Usually, that pick me up is in the form of an alcoholic beverage of some kind and served, normally, at a reasonable time. Except for if you’re a late British princess who would apparently request an 11 am vodka pick me up!

A Fish Called Rhondda

This one’s an interesting one with potentially a deeper meaning than first meets the eye. If you’re wondering why the name sounds familiar, but you can’t think why that’s because it sounds a lot like the 1988 film A Fish Called Wanda.

In the film, the “fish” represents Wanda’s vulnerable side, but because the word “fish” has two meanings, it indicates that the character, Wanda, also has two different sides to her personality. We can only wonder whether Rhondda at this British bar and restaurant is anything like Wanda in the film?!

Jason Donervan

What do you get when you sell a doner from a van? A “Donervan!” This van doesn’t just sell doner kebabs though, they also sell kebabs, chicken, burgers, and chips. Although they have different names depending on the country you’re in, in England, wrapped kebabs are called doner kebabs.

This kebab stand is called Jason Donervan and no, the owner isn’t called Jason, as far as we know. You probably have to be in the right age group to understand this pun. Jason Donervan is a twist on the name of actor and singer Jason Donovan, best known for his role in Neighbours in the 80s.

Jean-Claude Van Man

Man and van services are very popular in Britain. If you are moving between properties and only have a small number of items to move, then you might decide to hire a man with a van to help you. Of course, man and van services are used for other jobs too.

Unfortunately, Jean-Claude Van Damme is not the man who comes with this van. He isn’t your driver, although his strength would sure come in handy when moving heavy items! Jean Claude Van Man offers local, national, and international moves, and who wouldn’t want to be seen relocating their belongings in this van?

Mowsart

We like this one! Mowsart – the classic garden maintenance service. They’ve merged the two green-fingered words “mows” and “art” together to form the name of their garden maintenance business. This name sounds so good it’s like music to our ears.

Oh, wait! That’s because the name is a pun and homophone of Mozart – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to be exact. He was the famous Austrian composer of classical music, who lived during the classical period. So if you’re looking to turn your garden into a sweet symphony, look no further than Mowsart for classic services you won’t find elsewhere!

Ayr Guitar

You have plans to set up a guitar shop, and you live in a town called Ayr, so what do you name your shop? Well, that’s easy, isn’t it? Ayr Guitar is a music shop in the town of Ayr in Scotland.

Not only has the store positioned itself as the go-to music shop in the Scottish town of Ayr, but it has also tied in a funny pun through its name. Ayr Guitar sounds a lot like “air guitar,” although it is spelled differently.

Jabba the Cutt

In an alley not far away, you will find the master barber – Jabba the Cutt! Jabba the Cutt is a men’s barbers, and its branding is based on Jabba the Hutt from the Star Wars series. There is even a logo of the character in the shop window.

If you’re not a Star Wars fan, Jabba the Hutt was the large, slug-like alien and operated as a gangster in the galaxy. We think that Jabba the Cutt makes a good name for a hairdressing salon because it’s a catchy name and not because anybody wants to steal Jabba the Hutt’s style!

Pie Sports Stews

There are lots of these little takeaway food vans in the UK. Usually, they are named after the food products they sell, such as “hot pies” or “baked potatoes,” but this food van has taken inspiration from Sky Sports News.

This pie and stew van even has the “breaking news” strip around the top. Did you know that British pies are typically savory, not a sweet pie like you have in other parts of the world? That is why British pies are a popular on-the-go snack or lunch.

Bapman

Looking for snacks with more kapow? Head down to Bapman, a Batman inspired snack shop. But if you’re not from Britain or have never been to England to be more exact, what does the word “bap” actually mean? What kind of snack is it?

The argument over the humble bap has the potential to divide a nation. A bap is a bread roll, similar to a burger bun. Different regions of Britain have different names for this breaded snack, including cob, bap, balm cakes, and many more. It’s almost as if there is a language barrier amongst native English people from different regions of the country!

Manchipster Plaice

Another place, another plaice. If it’s one thing you’ve probably learned by now, it is that the Brits love their fish and chips, which is why there is often a fish and chips shop on every corner. The tradition of eating fish and chips goes back to the 1860s and is one of the foods that wasn’t rationed during the Second World War.

This Manchester fish and chips shop has cleverly incorporated both “fish” and “chips” into their business name with Manchipster Plaice. Although cod or haddock is the typical battered fish sold in fish and chip shops, other white fish such as plaice, hake, and pollock are also used.

Plaice Station

The word “plaice” is often used in many puny British food store names; even British soap dramas have adopted the trend over the years. Soap fans might remember shrewd business man, Ian Beale in British soap Eastenders, naming his fish and chip shops “Beale’s Plaice.”

This is a traditional fish and chip shop in England. The name of the quaint food outlet is called Plaice Station, which sounds a lot like “Play Station” as in the game console. Of course, “plaice” is a type of fish, which is why many English fish and chips shop owners create their own pun business names using the word.

Bonnie Tiler

There is nothing wrong with having the surname “Tyler” but if you’re in the UK, you should watch out for the jokes and puns! For example, if you’re surname is Tyler, you might want to refrain from naming your child Ruth because they will be nicknamed “Roof Tiler” forever more.

Bonnie Tyler might be a successful singer, but even she can’t escape the wicked British sense of humor! This wall and floor tiling company has chosen to name their business Bonnie Tilers. As she sang in her hit, Total Eclipse of the Heart, “And I need you tonight, and I need you floor than ever…”

Amy’s Winehouse

We can’t be sure when this alcohol store, or off-license as they’re commonly known as in the UK, first opened but we hope it was before the year 2011! Why? Because that’s when the store’s namesake passed away from alcohol poisoning!

Amy’s Winehouse was named after British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Although it’s a great way to pay homage to the late singer and a fantastic name for a liquor store, the owner may want to think about changing the name. Either that or it’s a good example of the British “black humor,” which can often be a little controversial!

Phat Phuc Noodle Bar

Oooh! Now we have to be careful with clarifying this one! We just hope that you can figure this one out yourself. If you’re struggling with finding the humor in this one, then let us give you a little hint: what do the words say when you pronounce the “ph” as the letter “f?”

Phat Phuc Noodle Bar is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. They’ve cleverly used a name that sounds like a very authentic Vietnamese name, at least to English native speakers anyway, but which can also be understood as something else in English. You could call it a win-win situation!

Singhbury’s Local

Sound familiar? Well, that’s because you’re probably thinking of another convenience supermarket named Sainsbury’s Local. Sainsbury’s is, of course, a large, national chain of supermarkets, often advertised by famous TV chefs and personalities. Singhbury’s Local is owned by Mr. Singh, who actually got in a lot of trouble for his choice of name for his shop.

When Sainsbury’s found out about Mr. Singh’s store, they tried to sue him for copying their brand back in 2012. Despite Jel Singh Nagra insisting that he was not trying to copy Sainsbury’s, he was forced to rename his business. He opted for “Morrisinghs,” which sounds a lot like Morrison’s, another popular British supermarket. Instead of facing legal issues again, Morrison’s actually supported his idea, and the shop has remained “Morrisinghs” ever since!