Phil my mate got married in August 1970 , whereas I go hitched in November the same year. You are right though it was in 69 when we visited there, after which we went our separate ways after a couple of months . Like you though Phil , I preferred the spit and sawdust pubs
I'm afraid they were too plastic for my taste with their formica topped tables and modern light and airy décor and central bars. I liked the old pubs with their coal fires and flux curry house wallpaper and wood and glass & panels with several little rooms. I see they are making a comeback now. In my mind they should never have gone away.
I remember my brother in law and I used to use The [censored] in Jiggins Lane when it was still a little country type pub just after he married my sister. He doesn't live in this country anymore so when over here for a visit a few years back when he asked where we should meet up for a drink I suggested the [censored]. The worst suggestion I ever made in my life, they had ripped the whole inside of the pub out and it was all one room. It was full of young kids (most of them under age) fighting, dealing and whatever. While we were in there two youngsters had a fight and were rolling around the floor while two bouncers just stood and watched them. If that's progress and what they want in pubs today then I'll stick to the old pubs.