An Isle of Wight parish council has launched a renewed attack on a proposed name change to Wootton’s The Sloop Inn.
Wootton Bridge Parish Council (WBPC) said renaming The Sloop Inn, a Grade II-listed pub dating from the 18th century, as ‘The Stonehouse at the Tide Mill’ would be a ‘misrepresentation’ and ‘confusing for patrons’.
The local authority filed an objection against Boyer Planning’s application for new signage at the pub, made on behalf of Mitchells and Butlers.
Boyer Planning’s proposal is for an illuminated, post-mounted pictorial sign, 2 illuminated V style signs, a lantern, illuminated lettering and an illuminated roundel sign.
In a separate application, the consultants are also proposing an internal and external works scheme at the premises to create a ‘better customer experience’.
A spokesperson for WBPC said:
“The Sloop was built as a dedicated public house in the mid-1700s. It was not connected to the Watermill, which was a separate building (now demolished and replaced with modern housing) to the right of the property.
“We feel that changing the name to ‘The Watermill’ is a misrepresentation and would be confusing for patrons. It has been a well-known Island landmark since the mid-1700s, and Southern Vectis bus stops are designated as ‘The Sloop’.
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Boyer’s latest applications follow a previous bid to redecorate the Sloop Inn and change its name to ‘The Watermill’. The consultancy backtracked following an objection from Wootton Bridge Parish Council.
County Hall’s public consultations on both applications end on 9th June and decisions are due on 2nd July.
What a load of tosh, just change the name and
stop wasting time.
It’s only a pub name change, not a place
name change.
Wootton is still Wootton.
I don’t care if it’s called the Sloop, Harbour view
etc etc
The most important thing is they serve up good
clean food at good prices and their hygiene is
5 Star ☆☆☆☆☆
Obviously the Parish council have nothing better to do!!
Doesn’t matter what they call it – it will always be called “The Sloop” by locals.
Just like “The Flemings Arms” at Binstead.
Doesn’t matter what they call it – it will always be called “The Sloop” by locals.
Just like “The Flemings Arms” at Binstead.
If it ain’t broke – don’t mend it.
Confusing? It would still be called The Slop.
So, Wootton Bridge PARISH Council are objecting because they claim it could be confusing!
Not sure that qualifies as a reason for objecting.
Numerous pubs and restaurants have changed their names over the years, including what used to be the Fleming Arms!
How about WBPC actually do something useful instead?
My thoughts exactly, they obviously have nothing
better to do, bless them.
I don’t like the idea of lots of illuminated signs on & adjacent to a mid-1700s Inn.
As to changing the name, this does matter! It’s name is part of it’s character & history. I wonder they don’t want to change it to ‘The Slug & lettuce!
Mitchells and Butlers and outfits like them seem to have a Philistine aversion to the heritage of the English and England. There is no justifiable reason what-so-ever to change the name of the Sloop Inn. Those individuals who have no objection to a name change obviously have no interest in preserving what is left of our traditions and heritage. Why do they attack those who do?
How patronising, we are not stupid. A change of name will not confuse us, as others have said, it will always been known as the sloop,
I don’t really mind what it’s called I love the place but it needs internal refurbishment, if changing the name means we can get the refurbishment done I’m all for it. Lots of pubs/restaurants chnge their name – does it matter. Its about time the ‘councils’ got on with important matters.