What exactly makes a pub ‘rough’ is subjective, of course, but punters seem to agree that a general state of disrepair and local ‘characters’ doing a steady trade in stolen goods are reliable indicators.
Some people suggested that the epithet could apply to any pub with a flat roof. There are certainly a few of those among our list, though it’s fair to say that’s not always true.
We’re not necessarily talking about the ‘toughest’ pubs, where violence is rife, either, although that was the case with some of these lost watering holes from the 70s, 80s, 90s and noughties.
One of the pubs on our list was nicknamed ‘the glass carpet’, as there was ‘more glass on the floor than behind the bar’, while another was branded a ‘den of iniquity’.
A major TV star is among those who have shared their experiences of these pubs, telling how he was once left fearing for his life after someone pulled out a gun while he was performing.
As many of you pointed out, a ‘rough’ pub is not necessarily a bad one, and lots of people recall enjoying some of their happiest nights at these boozers, even if they did have a bit of a reputation.
Sadly for them, these pubs have closed and in some instances been demolished and replaced with housing, or converted into shops. But the memories live on.
What’s the roughest pub you’ve ever visited? Let us know in the comments section.
5. Sun Inn
The Sun Inn, in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, used to be a brilliant pub, according to those who drank there, before it started going downhill. One person recalled how it became a 'bit rough', which is backed up by another former punter from the late 90s who said: "All I ever remember of it was a human turd in a pint glass on the bar on a Thursday tea time." The building has been demolished. | Google Photo: Google
6. The Cannon
The Cannon pub in Sheffield city centre had a fearsome reputation. It was once described as a haven for thieves and drug dealers, and branded a ‘den of iniquity’, with law-abiding citizens reportedly crossing the street to avoid the criminals spilling out of its doors. It was forced to close after police were called there 142 times in the space of 12 months. Police told at the time how it was frequented by customers known to carry guns, while a pregnant 15-year-old was said to be working behind the bar and being sold drugs. | Picture Sheffield Photo: Stanley Jones
7. Blue Anchor
The Blue Anchor pub on London Road, Portsmouth, had a reputation for being one of the roughest pubs around. One person said: "Never been but used to walk past the Blue Anchor every day. Police would be parked there at least two times a week." It closed in 2023 after a man's skull was fractured during a violent incident. | The News Portsmouth Photo: The News Portsmouth
8. The Old Twenty Nine
The Old Twenty Nine in Sunderland is probably best remembered by those who visited for the state of the floor. One person recalled: "There was more glass on the floor than behind the bar. But it was the best pub ever." The pub was nicknamed 'the glass carpet' by some, and one person recalled how there were no toilet seats or doors, but many people said it was a 'great boozer' nonetheless. | Sunderland Echo Photo: Sunderland Echo