And while that is, unfortunately, no longer the case after years of seemingly constant pub-closures (there are now fewer than 30,000 pubs in the entire UK), we decided that what better way to enjoy a trip down memory lane than by taking a look through our best archive pictures of forgotten Preston pubs from eras gone by.
I asked Lancashire Post readers what some of their old favourite haunts might be, and here are some of their suggestions...
5. Doctor Syntax
This boozer closed to the public in 2009 and was converted into a Chinese restaurant Photo: National World
6. Greyhound Hotel
Tragic pub in London Road where, in November 1960, a roof collapse killed three customers and the landlady Ethne Ratcliffe. The disaster happened just as Ethne was calling last orders in the afternoon. The pub had been undergoing some renovation work and landlord Eric Ratcliffe decided to keep a temporary bar open for drinkers rather than shut down while the work was being done. There were four customers in the bar at the time, with Ethe behind the pumps. One emerged from the rubble with only bruises, but the four others died. The pub was rebuilt, with Eric continuing as landlord for the next 30 years. It was finally closed in 2012 to be converted into a restaurant. Photo: Other
7. The Duke of York
This pub on Friargate closed in 2006. For most of its existence it was known as the Duke Of York, but in later years it also had spells as the Ye Olde Politician, Finnegan's Wake, and Base. It was popular among students and lecturers from the nearby University of Central Lancashire. It was converted into an eating establishment Photo: National World
8. George Hotel
Although this pub was known as the George for many years, from late 1998 until its closure in 2001 it was known as the Shepherd's Arms. Photo: National World