Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Pub Name Fame Game

I see in today's Thanet Times that pub group Barracuda are holding a competition to name the new hostelry they're opening where that querky indoor market used to be in Harbour Street. The new boozer will occupy a space approximately the size of Broadstairs, and will be part of their Smith and Jones chain. Here's what they say about their pubs:

Generally situated in high street locations or secondary towns (secondary? - Ed.) and cities across England, Scotland and Wales, Smith & Jones offers a venue for all occasions serving a broad customer base (dipsomaniacs welcome). This, in turn, generates customer loyalty while reinforcing the widely held belief that a pub is a place to catch up and be part of the community (until falling over time).

They're looking for a name with local connections, such as a famous person, place or activity. There's a 'VIP champagne meal' for four on offer for the lucky winner, who will also get to officially open the place (if they can still see to cut the ribbon). I've already sent them some suggestions. My favourite is, naturally, The Richard Eastcliff, but you've got to admire the irony of The Frank Thorley, Collis Browne's and Oasis.

I hear Barracuda, who bill themselves as 'the UK's fastest growing pub chain', will also be serving Ramsgate themed drinks. Dunkerque Spirit should prove popular, and they'll be selling a new brand of alcopop called TDC, although I doubt if that'll catch on as it's described as having a 'lingering aftertaste'.

25 comments:

Thanet Observer said...

New Pub....Ramsgate harbour....on a Saturday night....what about calling it.... 'The Jolly Semen'

Anonymous said...

I thought 'The Whippet Inn'. Not after teenage Thanetians' favourite pastime, but as a tribute to the old dog track.

Anonymous said...

or how about 'The PugInn'?

Anonymous said...

Or the Ram and Gate?

oh dear.... sorry

Anonymous said...

I was going to suggest Goddens but there's been enough fires in harbour Street already.

Anonymous said...

Count Your Blethyns?

Nethercourt said...

The Tiddly Winkle?........Don't ask...

Millicent said...

Tiddly winks were actually a name given to small indendent beer shops in the early 19th century. Not a lot of people know that!

Anonymous said...

The Transported Australian?

Anonymous said...

Pleasurama?

Anonymous said...

Some great name suggestions - has anyone actually sent one in to Barracuda? Mine is not funny but reflects life on the harbour - I chose

The Lifeboat Coxwain

but the Ferry Captain or The Thames Barge would also be apt

Anonymous said...

The rampant Ram? (leaping over the gate of course)

ZumiWeb said...

Maybe The Sundowner? Drinkers will think it means evening drinkies, tourists will think it means it's an Australian themed pub, and the rest of the World would know it is a nice tribute to one of the little ships, still resident in the Royal Harbour.

In fact I'm so impressed with myself for that one I think I'll send it in...

ZumiWeb said...

And now they're coming thick and fast... The Indian Chief? Or if they don't want it named after the ship that sank, then The Bradford (the lifeboat that did the job) or The Ramsgate Tug (which towed the lifeboat out there). Still makes me shiver, just reading the tale...

And to think we were moaning about the slight chill in the air this morning.

Anonymous said...

The Jerry Hat Trick

The Match and Jimmy

The Thorley Knot

The Giro Munchers

Typical Twotnot Pam's AA

Anonymous said...

A "Bradford" is also a fore and aft press (weight training)

Visit the Bradford and press a bar belle ??

Anonymous said...

On the subject of finding a local celebrity and "Press" ...

The Cyril Hoser

The Nice One Cyril

Working for the Cyril Dollar

Justin Brown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Justin Brown said...

Fair Nuff. I don't much like controversy on my blog, either!

How about 'Brown's Bar'?

That should cover everything previously deleted in one foul swoop.

PC and catchy, to boot!

Richard Eastcliff said...

Yes, just a bit too close to, or indeed slightly over, the line there Justin!

Anonymous said...

The Teenage Grandmother? Or how about The Pit Bull and Tracksuit?

Anonymous said...

So far my favourites are
The PugInn
Count your Blethyns
The Jolly Semen
Pleasurama
The Sundowner
The Pit Bull and Tracksuit

Another suggestion is the Billy Biscuit - George IV's friend Sir William Curtis who lived here and may have had something to do with the obelisk?

Richard Eastcliff said...

I'm not sure Barracuda would be happy to have The Jolly Semen up in lights above their establishment. Maybe we should amend it to The Jolly Seamen.

And please, no jokes about the Admiral's daughter attending to discharged seamen in her naval basin.

Thanet Observer said...

If you win the VIP meal at the new pub using my Jolly Semen/Seaman entry, I demand a bit of the pudding at least!

Richard Eastcliff said...

Of course dear boy, it'll be Krug all round!