The historic Sloop Inn at Wootton Bridge is set to be renamed ‘Stonehouse at the Tide Mill’ just months after previous plans to change the name to ‘The Watermill’ were shelved.
It was back in December that Island Echo first reported of the proposed name change at the originally, the Grade II listed pub was due to be rebranded as ‘The Watermill’, but that proposal was withdrawn after strong objections from Wootton Bridge Parish Council.
Councillors argued the name misrepresented the building’s heritage and noted the confusion it could cause given that local bus stops still carry the ‘Sloop’ name.
Despite those concerns, the pub’s owners have now submitted revised plans for signage and refurbishment works under the new name ‘Stonehouse at the Tide Mill’. The latest branding still references the former Wootton Mill, which once stood near the site but was demolished decades ago.
It was in 1759 that James Gumm, of Newport, had a property in Crocker Street that later became known as Benjamin Mew’s Brewery. Following his death in 1787, his window Ann made up a will which stated she had purchased a half share of The Sloop Public House at Wootton.
It’s thought that The Sloop Inn got its name because of its close proximity to the creek, and a Sloop being a masted boat.
Planning documents confirm that the rebranding forms part of a wider investment into the venue, which will include updates to interior and exterior features, such as:
Internal Redecorations
• Bar front counter
• Bar back fitting alterations
• Carvery, pizza and ice-cream
• Kitchen
• Glasswash
• Party table area
• Toilets
• Entrance & dining/flex
• Dining
External Works
• New lighting
• New flood defences to doors
• Redecorations in garden area
The Sloop Inn will remain operational during the transition and will continue serving its popular carveries, pizzas, and traditional pub meals.
Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can do so until 9th June.
Why change the name when all the locals know it as The Sloop. It won’t bring in anymore customers just because of the change of name. What a waste of money.
Very true.
Personally I am not bothered about a businesses name,
as long as they serve up quality clean food and have
5 star ☆☆☆☆☆ hygiene rating, that is good enough
for me, and staff don’t stand outside smoking and
vaping.
You clearly don’t understand branding. It doesn’t matter what locals know it as, they will still go if it essentially the same and worth it
Why give it a brand then? The Sloop is fine.
Let’s keep it as The Sloop Inn. The new name is horrible.
Outfits like Mitchells and Butlers seem to make these name changes for the sheer hell of it and to upset as many people as possible. I smell Woke Disease here somewhere. Perhaps, back in the mists of time, a sloop was engaged in something not politically correct by today’s crank standards.
Ive always known it as The Sloop Inn so why change it now when the name reflects its historical link to ships in Wotton Creek