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."placeholder image
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

'Belting boozer' and 'best landlords': 23 of the North West's most-missed lost pubs, gone but not forgotten

Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 9th Feb 2026, 15:31 GMT

Britain has lost many great pubs over the years, but the memories and the friendships forged there live on.

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?

The Dover Lock Inn was a popular canalside pub in Abram, Wigan. It sadly closed in around 2018, and the disused building was badly damaged by fire in 2021. One former regular called it a 'great community pub'. Another said: "It was such a lovely pub. I enjoyed many a Sunday in there with my husband, son and friends. I loved watching the canal boats go by."

21. Dover Lock Inn

The Dover Lock Inn was a popular canalside pub in Abram, Wigan. It sadly closed in around 2018, and the disused building was badly damaged by fire in 2021. One former regular called it a 'great community pub'. Another said: "It was such a lovely pub. I enjoyed many a Sunday in there with my husband, son and friends. I loved watching the canal boats go by." | Google Photo: Google

The 'beautiful' Royal pub building on Liverpool's Stanley Road is today in a sorry state, but many people remember its old glory days. One person recalled: "I used to go there on match days in the 70s and early 80s. It was always busy and a good laugh. I think Thatcherism did it in, like lots of other businesses."

22. The Royal

The 'beautiful' Royal pub building on Liverpool's Stanley Road is today in a sorry state, but many people remember its old glory days. One person recalled: "I used to go there on match days in the 70s and early 80s. It was always busy and a good laugh. I think Thatcherism did it in, like lots of other businesses." | Google Photo: Google

The Adelphi was built on Railway Street in 1865 to serve passengers from Burnley Central Railway Station. In 1930, several coal wagons crashed through sidings and into the pub, demolishing the washhouse and part of the cellar. The pub closed in 1997 and stood derelict for many years before demolition began in 2023.

23. Adelphi

The Adelphi was built on Railway Street in 1865 to serve passengers from Burnley Central Railway Station. In 1930, several coal wagons crashed through sidings and into the pub, demolishing the washhouse and part of the cellar. The pub closed in 1997 and stood derelict for many years before demolition began in 2023. | Google Photo: Google

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