But some hostelries have a fascinating history attached to their names. Here are 10 Sunderland bars with names worth talking about. Some of the reasons behind the names are not as obvious as you might think.
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The names of these pubs have a collective history of hundreds of years. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. The Saltgrass, Deptford - in Sunderland even the grass is tough
This pub sits on Ayres Quay previously in the geographical heart of Sunderland’s legendary shipbuilding industry. It takes its name from the tough saltgrass that used to cover the area before the shipyards completely dominated. Like the shipyard workers, saltgrass is robust and durable. Named for its ability to withstand highly saline conditions, its scientific name is 'distichlis spicata'; but that would have been a rubbish name for a pub. Photo: Stu Norton
3. The Stables, West Herrington - horsey heritage
The building which houses this wonderful pub was never actual stables as its name and horsey paraphernalia might suggest. The stables were for the riding school next door, on land now occupied by housing. What is now The Stables became a pub in the 1990s, having previously been the West Herrington Riding Club. It’s the closest you can get to a country pub without leaving Sunderland. Photo: Kevin Brady
4. The mystery of The Museum (and Curiosity) Vaults
One of the great Sunderland pubs, the Vaults has been around since 1873. Previously The Museum and Curiosity Vaults, it's assumed there must be a story behind such a fabulous name, but we’re stumped. It has been run by the Wilson family since 1978 and they have made assiduous efforts to research its history, to no avail. Can any reader put us out of our misery on this one? Photo: Tony Gillan