But every one of these Hartlepool favourites had their own reason to say they were the tops.
The question is though – which was your tops? Join our look back on these well known town pubs pictured in times gone by.
And then get in touch to share your own memories.
1. The pub which stood on its own
Chester Hotel. The pub which stood alone after all around it was demolished - and did it have the best juke box? Locals thought so in a 2019 story. Photo: TC
2. The pub with its own ducky
Brus Arms had its own ducky. To explain further, we think it means a small and cosy room in the pub and, two years ago, readers told how they loved to spend time in there. Photo: hm
3. Tops for a game of doms
The tops for a pint after a tough game of Sunday football - or for watching local experts at dominoes enjoying a match. Photo: lh
4. The best for a first drink?
A 2017 story got a response from 13,000 Hartlepool Mail readers and many said the Saxon in Easington Road was the first place they had a pint in. How about you? Photo: hm