How to choose a venue name that actually hits

Let’s play a game. Think of your favourite venues. Chances are, you remember their name before you remember the address. Why? Because great names stick. They do something. They make you feel a vibe, spark curiosity, or just sound really cool.

But coming up with a name that doesn’t feel try-hard or basic? That’s harder than choosing your menu’s hero dish.

Here’s how to name your hospitality brand like a pro (without sounding like you tried to go viral and failed).

1. Make it mean something

A clever pun might get a laugh—but meaning gets remembered.

Is your concept built on a family tradition? A specific neighbourhood? A niche cultural reference? Use that. People love a backstory—and bonus points if it makes them feel like they’re in on something.

Hot tip: If your venue’s concept was born out of a vibe, a feeling, or a missing experience in your city—bake that into the name. It makes it 10x more powerful (and helps your branding write itself).

2. Avoid the generic trap

If you’ve heard it before, ditch it.

There are enough “Common Grounds” and “The Pantry”s in the world. If your name could also be a real estate agency or a candle brand, it’s probably not the vibe.

Push for something a little unexpected. Maybe it’s a made-up word. Maybe it’s a phrase your grandma used to say. Maybe it’s something bold and slightly confusing (in a good way).

3. Say it out loud (a lot)

The name has to roll off the tongue—because people will literally say it out loud.

Say it to your barista. Your partner. Your dog. Does it feel awkward? Hard to spell? A tongue-twister after two wines? Maybe not the one.

Bonus tip: Check that the domain is available and grab the @handle on Insta before you fall in love. Nothing kills momentum like having to add an underscore, a .cafe, or worse—“official.”

4. Let it set the tone

A good name doesn’t just name the place—it sets the tone for everything else. Your interiors. Your branding. Your menu copy. Your website. Your vibe.

If your name is cheeky, your tone can be cheeky. If it’s elegant, your visual identity should feel sleek. If it’s weird and cool, lean into that energy across all touchpoints.

Great names do half the branding work for you. They already feel like a whole concept.

5. Test it on real people (not just your group chat)

Your mates are supportive (and probably biased). Test the name on people who don’t owe you anything. Watch their reactions. Ask what it makes them feel.

Do they get the vibe? Do they remember it a day later? That’s the real test.

6. Don’t wait for perfection

There’s no such thing as the “perfect” name. There’s only the one you choose, commit to, and build something epic around.

Apple isn’t about fruit. Nike was a Greek goddess. Glossier made up their name. The meaning came after the brand built momentum.

So pick something with flavour. With a vibe. With potential. And then go all in.

The wrap-up

A good name is like the first taste of your venue—it should be surprising, memorable, and leave people wanting more. It’s not about being clever for the sake of it. It’s about creating a hook that brings people into your world.

So if you’re stuck between five names, or sitting on a vibe but don’t know how to name it—take a breath. Then take a bold step. The name doesn’t have to be obvious. It just has to feel right.

Stuck in the name game spiral?

Let’s cook something up →