Steeped in history, this common pub name can be found in nearly every town and village, reflecting centuries of royal connections and heraldic tradition.
Many of the UK's pubs are fascinating historic building dating back to the late 14th and 15th centuries, with the same pub names used.
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What's the most common pub name in the UK?
Across the UK, no pub name is more familiar than The Red Lion. Many pub names have royal origins and meanings. James VI (King of Scotland) and I (King of England) is closely linked to the 'Red Lion' symbol. When he ascended to the English throne in 1603, he directed that public buildings and inns display Scotland’s Red Lion as a mark of his heritage and authority.
This royal endorsement helped establish the Red Lion as the most popular pub name in Britain, spreading the symbol widely across inns and establishments throughout England.
However, some historians believe the red lion emlem could date back further as the 14th century English noble, John of Gaunt, also used the heraldic arms.
Why is the image of a red lion used?
In an era when literacy rates were low, pub signs relied on visual symbols. A striking red lion on the sign made the establishment easily identifiable to locals.
How many Red Lion pubs are there in the UK?
A 2025 analysis by Bionic, based on UK phonebook data, identified 517 pubs named "Red Lion" across the UK and Ireland, marking a 10.4% increase from 468 in 2023.
The hotel chain Jurys Inn also compiled a list of over 58,000 pubs in the UK and Ireland, highlighting "Red Lion" as the most common pub name.
What are other popular pub names in the UK?
While The Red Lion reigns supreme, other frequently seen names include: The Royal Oak, The Crown or Crown Inn, The White Horse, The King’s Head, and The New Inn.
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