If you’re looking for somewhere to warm your cockles, here’s some of Sunderland’s cosiest and most-historic boozers, in no particular order.
9. The Museum Vaults on Silksworth Row.
A traditional pub which many of its regulars have visited for decades, The Museum Vaults, along with The Dun Cow and the Ship Isis, was listed in the European Bar Guide 2023. Previously the Museum and Curiosity Vaults, the pub has been around since 1873 and run by the Wilson family since 1978. All three pubs sell a variety of cask ales, which was an important factor in making the exclusive list. | Sunderland Echo
10. The Stables, Front Street, Cleadon
Small in size, but big in characters, The Stables, just outside Sunderland in Cleadon, is a micro pub in an historic old stables that dates back to the 1700s - there's even two resident, but friendly ghosts. | Sunderland Echo
11. The Welcome Tavern, Hendon
A Sunderland institution, The Welcome Tavern in Hendon is one of the top-rated pubs in the city on Google reviews. One impressed visitor said: "What a lovely historic nautical pub. Really chatty and helpful landlord. The inside has so many impressive nautical themes including a large collection of sailing ship models and seafaring items. I highly recommend a visit to The Welcome Tavern to enjoy the ambience." | Sunderland Echo
12. Blues, Whitburn Village
A cosy dog-friendly micro pub in Whitburn Village, Blues is a regular in the Good Beer Guide thanks to the quality of its drinks. | Iconic Media