Pubs Named After Trees

Many pubs around Britain have been named after trees. Historically, the main function of the pub name was to locate it within the local area, or to denote a location near a prominent tree that served as a meeting point, such as "The Elms", "The Yew Tree", or "The Beeches".

Pubs were also named to show their support of the monarchy, and to avoid religious connotations at times of division.

In 1651, after losing the Battle of Worcester, Charles II hid in an oak tree at Boscobel House to escape Parliamentarian soldiers. When he was restored to the throne in 1660, hundreds of pubs adopted the name "The Royal Oak" to show loyalty and celebrate the monarchy's return. Today, it is the third most popular pub name in Britain. (The History Press, 2017)

Other tree and plant names reflect the practicalities of brewing or the local environment. Names referencing barley or hops refer directly to the ingredients and tools used in beer production. A popular name is "The Chequers", another name for the Wild Service Tree, the fruit of which was once used to flavour alcohol (Goldhanger Past).

The Elms in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex takes its name from a huge old elm tree that once stood nearby. Local folklore claims that smugglers hid brandy inside the hollow trunk. Although the original tree is now gone, the pub kept the name when it became a Wetherspoon in 1994.
(Wetherspoon News magazine, spring/summer 2026, p. 67)