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?
1. Lamb & Packet
The Lamb & Packet, beside the Adelphi roundabout in Preston, dates back to at least 1807, but was rebuilt 12 feet further back in 1877 when Friargate was widened. The pub shut for good in 2017 and is today owned by the University of Central Lancashire. Linda Gregg told how she ran the pub between 1985 and 1999, recalling 'really happy times with a great mix of customers'. A former regular told how they 'loved' the pub, which served 'good beer and great pies'. Another person told how it was one of her husband's favourites, adding: "He still talks about Margaret's hotpot." | National World
2. The Grosvenor
The Grosvenor was a popular watering hole on the corner of Church Street and Cookson Street, Blackpool. In later years, it was known as Bodgers and the Cow Bar. The pub, seen here in 1994, was sadly demolished and replaced with a car park. One former regular recalled how there was a 'great atmosphere' there when Frank Carson and Neil Clark were landlords. They called it a 'proper locals' pub' that was 'always packed' when the staff from Regent Bingo came in for last orders. Another person recalled 'happy times' drinking there in the late 80s and early 90s, when they said first Trixie and then Mark and Julie were running the pub. A third person called it a 'stunning building', and a fourth told how they enjoyed some 'fantastic nights' there. | Submitted Photo: Submitted
3. Star Inn
The Star Inn, on South Shore, stood close to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach entrance and was for many years in the shadow of the famous Big One rollercoaster. The old Star Inn is pictured here in 1931, before the new one was built in front of the old building. The second building was demolished in around 2018 and replaced with a hotel. The Star was a popular music venue, with many people having fond memories of attending gigs there. One person called it an 'amazing place' and another said they had 'such good memories'. | library
4. The Crescent
The Crescent pub in Salford has been closed since 2017. The Grade II-listed building dates back to the early 19th century, and the revolutionary philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels reportedly met there to discuss ideas that would many years later dramatically influence 20th century politics. One person, who drank there much more recently, recalled how it served 'great beers' and had a 'good mix of students and locals'. Another former regular said: "I miss that place so much. What I wouldn't give to have a cheap pint by the fire on a cold evening." | Google Photo: Google