The Golden Lion on High Street East stood from 1732 to 1963 and was once a staging post. When it was demolished, the lion which stood above the door was preserved and placed in Sunderland Museum. Photo: Ron Lawson JP. | Ron Lawson

placeholder image — The Golden Lion on High Street East stood from 1732 to 1963 and was once a staging post. When it was demolished, the lion which stood above the door was preserved and placed in Sunderland Museum. Photo: Ron Lawson JP. | Ron Lawson

13 Sunderland pubs past and present with animals in their names

Digital specialist in nostalgia

Published 18th Aug 2025, 12:00 GMT

Here is one of those questions you might get asked down at the pub.

How many Wearisde pibs can you think of with animal connections in their name. We came up with these 13 and some of them go back decades to the 1960s and beyond.

We have got the Dolphin, Gannet, Black Swan and more but we are sure the list has not been exhausted.

Why not contribute your own names by emailing [email protected]

13. A trip back to Bunnies

Bunnies was also known as Laings and Gatsby's and was in Olive Street. Photo: Ron Lawson | Ron Lawson Photo: se

Photo Sales

News you can trust since 1873

13 Sunderland pubs past and present with animals in their names

Here is one of those questions you might get asked down at the pub.

13. A trip back to Bunnies

Sign up to our Wearside Echoes newsletter

Thank you for signing up!