Mitcham News and Mercury, 27th December, 1968, page 1

A row over a pub name

An argument blew up over the week-end over the name of Streatham Vale’s first pub, which opened on Friday.

Local people are upset at the brewery’s choice of “Mitcham Mint.” Ind Coope selected this because, they say, they wanted to name it after a local industry.

But what local industry?

The firm that make a sweet called Mitcham Mints is Clarnico Ltd – whose factory is in East London.

It is true, however, that, many years ago, the company used mint picked in Mitcham for their confectionery.

Said one Vale resident: “It’s a pretty far-fetched reason to call a pub Mitcham Mint.”

And Coun. Dennis O’Neill, secretary of Streatham Vale Property Owners’ Association, declared: “The brewery should have consulted the locals first after all, the place will surely rely on local trade.

“Why not call it the Vale Rose? The rose grows like mad in this area; the soil suits it. That name would have had far more local significance than Mitcham Mint.”

THE SIGN

The inn sign of the Vale’s new two-bar hostelry, which was formerly the Coronation off-licence in Lilian Road, is the mint plant.

Said a spokesman for Ind Coope: “We spent a great deal of time deciding on a name; we always like to give our houses a local touch. Mitcham was famous for its mint, so this seemed an ideal name. Someone had the idea that the Mitcham Mint was made locally. . .”

The licensee, 52-year-old Mr. Alexander Tipping, who was manager of the off-licence, formally pulled the first pint on Friday, watched by a saloon bar full of guests.

Mr. Richard Motion, managing director of Ind Coope (London) Ltd., said there was obviously a need for a pub in this area – the nearest one was about half a mile away.

This will be a local house, relying mainly on local trade,” he added.

The £16,000 conversion scheme was carried out by Tamworth Park Construction Ltd., whose general foreman, Mr. Frank Stannett, was presented with a souvenir tankard.

There was a tankard too, for Mr Oliver Ashwell, district manager.

Mr Tipping will run the Mitcham Mint with the help of the wife, Mrs Emily Tipping. They have three daughters aged 21, 19 and 15.

Notes
1. The Coronation off-licence was called Coronation Stores in council minutes.

2. The pub was renamed in February 2019 as The Vale at Streatham. It had been refurbished by its owners, Star Pubs & Bars.