Many are still drawing in customers for their great array of activities.
But let’s look back to how the clubs of Wearside looked in decades gone by – and the acts who appeared there – with the help of Bill Hawkins from Sunderland Antiquarian Society.
He has shared photos of the Hendon Ivy Leaf, Pennywell Comrades, Sunderland Boilermakers, Thorney Close Workmens and Roker Avenue Navy Club.
There is plenty more too. Take a look.

. A night at the clubs
Club scenes you might remember from yesteryear. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

. Retro at the RAOB
Inside the RAOB club in 1967. Share your memories of those days. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

. Pictured in Pennywell
Pennywell Comrades Club in 1967. A wonderful reminder from 56 years ago. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

. South Hylton in the 50s
The Workmens Club in South Hylton as it looked in August 1956. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

5. Bobby in 1982
Is that Bob? The Little Waster in 1982 and he was always a crowd puller in the clubs. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

6. A big day in Southwick
The day Southwick Club opened in May 1967. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

7. Turning back time in Roker Avenue
The Navy Club in Roker Avenue. This is how it looked in May 1964. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins

8. A photo from 54 years ago
Here is the new Catholic Club in November 1969. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins