Pubs are a constant feature of our life – and even if we are not regulars ourselves – they play a major part in our economy and society.
As such, the highs and lows of pub life are frequent features in The News.
Here are some pictures from 2006 showing the good and the bad, from charity events to break-ins, and featuring many landlords from the time. There are also a few pubs which have sadly disappeared in the intervening 17 years.
Steve Evans, right, the manager of the pub in Copnor Road, with Greene King's business development manager Andrea Greenwood and head chef James Robson in 2006 Photo: Robin Jones
Friends enjoy the pub quiz at the Old Portsmouth pub, from left, Claire Nobbs, Paul Searle, Mark Booth, and Chris Page (065007-11) Photo: Ian Hargreaves