Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the spooky tales which have attached themselves to our watering holes are a chance to reflect on the history of these fascinating buildings – and those who lived in the area in much older times.
Victims of a notorious serial killer, an unfortunate pub worker, and a conscientious cleaning lady still keeping things neat from beyond the grave are among the ghosts said to walk our haunted hostelries.
5. Victorian Gardens, Hendon
Another pub with a spirit who likes to spill drinks. A medium visited in 2020 after CCTV footage captured a pint being thrown off a table, despite no person touching the glass. She found Peter the ghost, who lives upstairs in the pub and ‘enjoys being quiet’ so has a tendency to ‘throw glasses’ when it’s too loud. Another ‘not so nice spirit’ who apparently dislikes women was found to have taken residence in the cellar. Photo: JPI
6. The Colliery Inn, Hetton
An elderly lady in a shawl has reportedly been seen seated in a corner in the ladies toilets, with another story claiming a crying baby can be heard coming from a corridor. Photo: Google Streetview
7. Cross Keys, Washington Village
Washington Village seems to be renowned for having some of the most hauntings in Wearside, thanks in no small part to the ghost stories associated with Washington Old Hall. Darren Ritson, co-author of Ghost Taverns, said when he visited The Cross Keys in the village, staff at the pub reported objects moving by themselves and an eerie presence, as if they were not entirely alone.
8. The Black Bull, East Boldon
A ghostly toddler has been seen sitting at the bottom of the cellar steps. Gaming machine alarms mysteriously going off and bottles ‘rattling violently’ behind the bar are among other strange phenomena reported. Photo: Picture Corrina Atkinson.