Sad to see these old pubs in such a bad way, a highlight traveling around in the 70's was lunchtime pub grubs, plus the ale of course. Many had their own brews on tap, or from local breweries... All in all, pretty much good fun and a great way to meet locals.
Getting out was obviously on your hit list, glad to hear you had a safe run!
There are plenty left, I still use them (or did) but only for food. The good ones are still busy.