THEY have been at the heart of our communities for generations and with the current pandemic are arguably facing one of the biggest threats in all that time.

Bolton’s pubs have survived two world wars, stockmarket crashes, the General Strike and the emergence of supermarkets selling alcohol.

And yet they have remained at the cornerstone of so many people’s lives. Now coronavirus and enforced lockdowns are having a devastating impact on the pub trade. Let’s just hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for them and that at some point, we will once again be able top meet friends and family for a drink or a celebration.

In the meantime, knowing how much Looking Back readers enjoy their weekly dose of nostalgia we decided to look into the archives and dig out some photographs of pubs in and around Bolton.

Some have long since closed down and, in some cases, even been demolished. Others have had changes of name or even changes of use. And some of them are still open for business (current restrictions permitting, of course!).

But all of them have one thing in common - they will have or still have a special meaning to their regulars.

So many memories have been made after walking through their various doors and at their various bars. So many laughs will have been had - and so many sorrows drowned.

Hopefully there will be many more opportunities to come.

Have a look at these photographs and see how many you remember.