And today, it is the turn of the Barnes Hotel which has entertained generations of Sunderland people in fine style.
We have 9 photos from the Echo archives and they show everything from a psychic fair to a wedding fair and a bowls club trophy night.
Intrigued? Find out more by browsing through these photos.
1. All's fair in 2011
Karen Seafield has a tarot reading from medium Sean Roper, to promote the psychic fair at the hotel 11 years ago. Photo: Picture by Angela Burn
2. Back together after 50 years
Former members of Sunderland YMCA in 1999 when they caught up with some old faces they hadn't seen for 50 years. Photo: SE
3. Carving room memories from 1993
The Barnes' carving room notched up the highest takings of any Toby restaurant over the 1993 festive season. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Back to 2011
Waiters John Oliver and Carol Laidler in the Barnes Hotel 11 years ago. Photo: Picture by Angela Burn