The old adage 'you don't know what you have until it's gone' is ringing true across Sidmouth as residents pay tribute to the closed pubs they miss the most.

Readers of the Sidmouth Herald have reminisced fondly about the town's pub scene, with former watering holes The Mermaid and The Masons Arms proving particularly popular.

Bursting with character, both establishments are sorely missed by the local community.

The Mermaid was remembered most, with one resident noting that they shared "loads of happy memories" there.

Many others echoed this sentiment, also naming The Mermaid as their most missed public house.

The Masons also featured heavily in the words of the reminiscing public.

One resident shared heartfelt thoughts, saying: "The Mason Arms as it was my nan's pub in the 1960s".

Sidmouth Herald: The Masons Arms and The Mermaid dominated the tributes to Sidmouth's closed pubs

The Masons Arms was situated on Chapel Street, a narrow lane that runs parallel to the seafront. 

It closed in 1983 and was converted into housing.

Another reader listed: "The Ship and The Tavern."

Other pubs fondly recalled included The London and The Dove.

A local spoke fondly of the "good times" they shared at The London.

Reminiscing about The Ship, a resident said: "I absolutely loved The Ship".

One sceptic criticised the number of pub closures in the town and added that "Sidmouth once was a great night out".

While another reader acknowledged the collective loss felt throughout the community, summing up residents' sentiments by saying: "All of them, they were all different in their own way."

The town's pub scene played a significant role in Sidmouth's identity and community spirit, clearly leaving a lasting legacy.

This outpouring of collective nostalgia shows just how important pubs are to their communities.

In an age where local pubs across Britain are closing at an alarming rate, the voices from Sidmouth serve as a poignant reminder of what can be lost.