Fourteen pubs from across Sunderland, plus two close by in South Tyneside, are among 4,500 entries in the 2021 Good Beer Guide published by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). With bars nationwide facing closure as part of the latest coronavirus lockdown from Thursday, November 5, let’s hope it is not too long before we can toast their success inside these premises.
1. The Avenue, Zetland Street, Sunderland
The 2021 guide reads: "This local pub offers six changing real ales on handpull and several real ciders. It hosts various themed nights including poker, bingo, pool, a popular Thursday night quiz and a Sunday dominoes handicap." Photo: Other 3rd Party
2. The Black Horse, Rectory Bank, West Boldon
The guide reads: "A former coaching inn and blacksmith’s shop, this pub and restaurant traces its history back to the early 1700s or possibly to the Battle of Boldon in 1644." Photo: Google
3. Chaplins, Stockton Road, Sunderland
Its entry reads: "A city-centre pub with six real ale handpulls and one for real cider. The house beer, Happy Chappy, is brewed at nearby Darwin Brewery." Photo: Picture by David Allan
4. The Chesters, Chester Road, Sunderland
The guide says: "This popular pub just outside the city centre has a smart and comfortable interior, with a large main bar and a more intimate area at the back. Six handpulls invariably offer an ale from a local brewery as well as guest beers and a real cider." Photo: Stu Norton