The North West is no exception, with last orders having been called at many fine watering holes.
Former punters have shared their happy memories of drinking at those lost pubs during their glory days.
They have recalled the brilliant landlords and landladies, and the many characters who contributed to so many brilliant nights at these ‘belting’ boozers.
One said wistfully: “I miss that place so much. What I wouldn't give to have a cheap pint by the fire on a cold evening."
Below are some of the most-missed pubs from across the North West, including one which featured in a legendary TV show, another frequented by two of the most influential philosophers of modern times, and a third described as the ‘absolutely best matchday pub’.
Several of these lost pubs have been converted into housing, one has been flattened to make way for a car park, and others have been left to fall into dereliction.
Do you remember drinking at any of these fine institutions?
13. Sumners Hotel
Sumners, on Watling Street Road, Preston, was a firm favourite with Preston North End fans before it closed and was sadly demolished in 2018. This photo shows the original Sumners Hotel in 1984, not long before it was torn down as part of a road-widening scheme and replaced with the second incarnation. One person remembered the original as a 'really nice pub, full of character'. Another recalled: "There was a man in the old Sumners who had a washboard. His name was Don Al Higgins. He collected glasses, and he was a class act." | National World
14. The Horseshoe
The Horseshoe pub in Standish, Wigan, has been closed for more than a decade. But many people have fond memories of the venue, which had operated as a pub since the 1840s. One person said it was 'the best', and another told how they 'loved' their years working there, during which they had made 'lifelong friends'. | National World Photo: Nick Fairhurst
15. Flashman's
Flashman's, on Talbot Road, was named the best town centre pub in Blackpool in 1997, with Elizabeth Farrell and Landlord John Farrell pictured outside at the time celebrating the achievement. Lots of people have great memories of the pub in the 80s and 90s, with one person calling it 'great fun'. | National World Photo: Dave Nelson
16. Duke of York
This Burnley landmark, on the corner of Colne Road and Briercliffe Road, dates back to the late 19th century. The building still stands but it is no longer a pub, having been converted into student accommodation. | Ben Parsons Photo: Ben Parsons
17. Ducie Bridge
Manchester's Ducie Bridge pub had stood on the corner of Corporation Street and the Ring Road since the Victorian era, but it was sadly being demolished in 2020 and replaced with an office block. It is perhaps best known for the Juicy Ducie Comedy Club it hosted during the late 90s and early noughties, with stars including Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas, John Bishop and Jo Brand performing there. One person described it as a 'great pub', while another said it had been the 'perfect meeting spot for getting off the train and having a reasonable pint before heading to a gig'. | Google Photo: Google
18. Burn Naze
The Burn Naze pub in Thornton, Blackpool, was a popular community pub for many years before closing suddenly in 2019 and being demolished a couple of years later. It had been built just after 1900 and used to be a popular meeting place for workers from the nearby United Alkali Company ammonia soda works. Campaigners fought unsuccessfully to save the building on Gamble Road, even getting it listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’. | Martin Bostock