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.
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9. Bow and Arrow
The Bow and Arrow in Liverpool was the scene of many a fight, according to those who drank there. The actor Ricky Tomlinson once recalled how when he was performing there someone in the audience once pulled out a revolver and pointed it at him after taking offence at a joke. Unsurprisingly, he and his bandmates didn't stick around. The Eagle and Child pub in Huyton is another of Liverpool's roughest pubs from years gone by, with one person generously calling a visit there 'character building'. | Sue Adair Photo: Sue Adair
10. Monkey House
The Monkey House in Birmingham was described by one person as the 'roughest pub I have ever been in', while another former punter recalled how there were 'often there were no glasses so customers would bring their own'. The pub, on Cato Street, closed its doors in the 80s and has long since been demolished. | Google Photo: Google
11. Tower Lounge
People have fond memories of Blackpool's Tower Lounge, despite many calling it one of the area's roughest pubs. One person said it was definitely Blackpool's roughest pubs back in the day, adding that 'just for good measure, you couldn't leave as you were stuck to the floor'. Another person recalled how they used to work on the doors there and 'a week never went past without an incident'. Despite its reputation, one person described it as 'good fun', and another told how they 'loved it in there'. | National World Photo: Daniel Martino
12. Venture Inn
'Venture Inn, Stagger Out' is what people used to say about this pub in Bristol, though one person commented that it was also known by the nickname 'Venture Inn... at your peril'. One person called it 'easily the toughest pub I've known in Bristol', though others remember it as a great community pub. The pub on Melvin Square, Knowle West, closed in 2002 and was demolished to make way for housing, pictured. | Google Photo: Google