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.
5. Vesta Tilley's - more interesting than its old name
The bar now called Vesta Tilley’s has been around for as long as anyone can remember. For most of that time it had the off-the-peg name the Black Bull, although in 1989 it briefly changed to Scott’s and opened all three floors before returning to Black Bull. It was reborn in 2014 and named after the woman who officially opened the nearby Empire Theatre in 1907, when Vesta Tilley was one of the most famous entertainers in the western world. Photo: Frank Reid
6. The Wild Boar, Houghton - historical tribute
The boar has been an emblem of Houghton for centuries and taken from the Gilpin family's coat of arms, associated with the area since the mid 16th century. The Houghton Feast commemorates Rector Bernard Gilpin who would roast an ox - or hog - to feed the poor. Photo: Google maps
7. The Ship Isis - shipbuilding and beer
Trading since 1885, the name honours to two glorious Wearside institutions - shipbuilding and beer. A number of ships have been named HMS Isis, as well as a legendary (but real) ancient Roman cargo vessel. However, the Isis in question is the Egyptian goddess depicted on the pub sign. Said to be ‘more clever than a million gods’, she proved this by teaching women the art of brewing; as well as less useful things such as baking and weaving. Photo: Stu Norton
8. The Sir William de Wessyngton, Concord
Say what you like about Wetherspoons, they give due consideration to local history when naming their pubs. Sir William de Hertburne was a 12th century ancestor of George Washington. He built the original Washington Old Hall and was given the Wessyngtonlands estate by the Bishop of Durham, whereupon he changed his name. 'Wessyngton' morphed into 'Washington' over the centuries. Photo: Tony Gillan