Five other popular pubs that have closed in Wigan

Twin brothers Jonathan and Grant Ainsworth have made the difficult decision to call time on their business in Appley Bridge, owing to difficulties operating the Boathouse alongside their other site, the Saracens Head in Halsall, near Ormskirk.

The Boathouse will join a long list of beloved watering holes which have come, gone and left an indelible mark on their former punters:

The Beeches

Once a pub, restaurant and hotel, The Beeches in Standish was wildly popular and was one of the borough's go-to spots for functions and parties until it closed overnight, and in mysterious circumstances, in January 2017.

It is set to reopen next year as the latest outlet of Albert’s, a popular pub and restaurant chain with venues across Manchester and Worsley.

Dog and Partridge, Standish

The School Lane pub - a stone's throw from The Beeches - served Standish locals for years before its closure.

But the name has lived on, in parody, now the building is used as a gun shop, McAvoy Guns. The pub sign has been altered to "the dog and cartridge."

Bridge 63, Red Rock

Like the Boathouse, this building is nestled next to the canal - making it a perfect resting spot in summer.

Previously the Crawford Arms, it was rebranded 'Bridge 63' before being closed down. The property, opposite the entrance to Arley Lane (Wigan Golf Club), is now empty.

The Tudor, Wigan

The New Market Street pub provided decades of live music in the town centre, giving many unsigned acts the chance to perform, usually in front of large crowds.

News of its sudden and unexpected closure in November 2014 was met with shock and upset. There were fresh hopes of The Tudor reopening the following year, when a job advert appeared online, causing much excitement among its former punters, but sadly the joy was short-lived. The building is now lived in by the former landlord.

The Crown, Worthington

One of Wigan’s best known pubs before it closed its doors early in 2016.

The Crown was voted regional pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) in 2009, but was forced to close after financial difficulties.

Hopes of saving the Platt Lane pub were raised in August 2017 when news emerged of buyers interested in restoring it to its former glory, but no plans ever came to fruition.