THE very best of punny shop names have been but to the vote with Belfast tailors ‘Sew It Seams’ stitching up the competition to take the top prize.
One hundred and twenty shop names were put to the public vote after learning platform Babbel searched social media to unearth the best.
Keeping with the theme of clothing, second place went to ‘Damsel In This Dress’ in Wales. These two were closely followed by Southport removal company ‘Jean Claude Van Man’.
Other entries of note include ‘Tan Solo’ a tanning shop in Sunderland, ‘Pane in the Glass’ a window repairer in Kent and the ‘Frying Nemo’ chippy in Yorkshire.
NoĂ«l Wolf, cultural expert and Babbel live teacher, said: “Puns are a cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in British society. Originating from the jesters of mediaeval times and flourishing in the Elizabethan era, the art of punning has evolved through the ages, finding a modern home in everyday conversations.
“These linguistic gems not only highlight the adaptability of the English language but also serve as a reflection of our everyday lives, blending wit with the mundane. From cleverly named shops to literature, this wordplay has become an integral part of our communication landscape.
“As we navigate the twists and turns of modern communication, puns stand as enduring testaments to the charm of language, making the serious business of everyday life a little more entertaining.”
The punniest shop names in the UK by Region 2024
- East Midlands: On a Wick and a Prayer, Candle Shop (Ashbourne)
- East of England: Alley Barber, Barbers (Luton)
- London: Barber Streisand, Hairdressers (Clerkenwell)
- North East : Tan Solo, Tanning Shop (Sunderland)
- North West: Jean Claude Van Man, Removals Van (Southport)
- Northern Ireland: Sew It Seams, Alterations (Belfast)
- Scotland: Hairy Pop-Ins, Pet Sitter (Mainland Shetland)
- South East: Pane in the Glass, Window Repairs (Kent)
- South West: The Hound of the Basket Meals, Food Van (Dartmoor)
- Wales: Damsel In This Dress, Clothing Shop (Harlech)
- West Midlands: Iron Maiden, Ironing Service (Birmingham)
- Yorkshire and the Humber: Frying Nemo, Fish and Chip Shop (Goole)