Barber Streisand, Puff Dad E, Doner Summer — Here are UK's punniest business names

From London's "The Codfather" to "A Fish Called Rhondda", puns are a popular choice for grabbing attention

Web Desk

December 28, 2023

Barber Streisand, Puff Dad E, Doner Summer — Here are UKs punniest business names

Chip shops, barbers, and more across the UK are competing for the title of the country's funniest business name, showcasing a penchant for wordplay in the entrepreneurial spirit.

From London's "The Codfather" to the creatively titled "A Fish Called Rhondda" in Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, puns are a popular choice for grabbing attention.

Others include London barbers, Barber Streisand, Sunderland wine shop Amy's Winehouse and pottery cafe Kilning Me Softly in Milton Keynes.

Florist Rachael Allen, owner of "Dark Side of the Bloom" near Bangor in Gwynedd, found that naming her business after the Pink Floyd song "Dark Side of the Moon" was a clever move.

Despite not considering herself a Pink Floyd fan, the flamboyant name attracted a diverse clientele, including bikers drawn to the alternative flair.

Allen's business is among the contenders in a competition organised by the language learning platform Babbel to identify the shop name with the best (or worst) use of a pun.

The shortlist, comprising 120 names gathered from social media platforms, will be subject to a public poll, with the winner to be announced in the new year.

Another contender from north Wales is Kathryn Robson, owner of "Damsel In This Dress" in Harlech, Gwynedd. Explaining the choice, she mentioned the shop's proximity to a castle and its location in a former armoury. While she finds joy in having a fun name, she believes it doesn't significantly impact the business.

Babbel's linguistic and cultural expert, Noel Wolf, notes that puns hold a special place in British hearts, leveraging the versatility and richness of the English language.