The Best Pubs in Middlesbrough
In the port town of Middlesbrough, colloquially known as Boro and home to over 148,000 people, the pub scene is as diverse as its riverside history. From historic inns and cosy locals' pubs to modern craft breweries and lively sports bars, you’ll find everything from expertly crafted cocktails and real ales to hearty Sunday roasts and live music. Whether you’re after a dog friendly spot with outdoor seating, a place to watch the big match on a massive screen, or a bargain meal in a centuries old setting, the warm, unpretentious spirit of Teesside runs through every venue. Come raise a glass and discover why locals and visitors alike keep coming back to the best pubs in Middlesbrough.


1. Dovecot Bar & Kitchen
Dovecot Bar, 117-119 Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 5DD, UK
For those who appreciate the finer things, Dovecot Bar & Kitchen delivers an upscale experience that truly lives up to its billing as the best bar on Teesside. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or choose from a superb selection of beer and wine, all while enjoying live music in a refined yet welcoming setting. The food is equally impressive, from their celebrated Sunday roasts to creative small plates, and the outdoor seating is perfect for groups looking to savour the evening. Treat yourself to a legendary bottomless brunch for an unforgettable afternoon of flowing drinks and delicious fare.


2. Twisted Lip
11-13 Baker St, Middlesbrough TS1 2LF, UK
Step through the door of Twisted Lip and you’ve discovered a proper gem, a place that feels like a mate built a bar in their front room and filled it with curiosities. With a crackling fire, Chesterfield leather seats, and an ever changing selection of excellent craft and traditional beers, it’s the perfect spot to settle in after work or a match. The live music floats through the cozy rooms twice a week, while the friendly locals and dog friendly policy make every visit feel like a warm welcome. Grab a pint or a glass of wine, sink into a chair, and let the evening unfold.


3. The Tipsy Cow
249 Acklam Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 7BW, UK
Tucked away and full of character, The Tipsy Cow is a cracking spot for a pint and a plate of seriously good food without breaking the bank. With a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and plenty of screens for the big game, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for hours. The outdoor seating is a bonus when the sun’s out, and it’s ideal for groups, whether you’re catching up with mates or bringing the whole family. Friendly, dog welcoming, and great value for money, this pub has become a firm favourite for a reason.


4. Six Medals
Heath Rd, Middlesbrough TS3 6AT, UK
Head to Six Medals in Middlehaven for cracking views of the Transporter Bridge and a proper warm welcome that makes every visit feel special. This dog friendly pub serves up a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, with outdoor seating perfect for groups to soak up the lively scene. Whether you’re grabbing a pre match pint or tucking into a hearty steak and ale pie, the friendly staff and brilliant value make it an absolute winner.


5. Sandstone Nab
Trunk Rd, Middlesbrough TS6 6TD, UK
Welcome to The Sandstone Nab, a bright and modern pub that feels like home with its warm setting, bare brickwork, and inviting lamplight. Whether you're catching live music, watching the big match on the screens, or relaxing with your dog in the proper pub garden, there's something for everyone here. The menu is a treat with hearty classics and lighter bites, plus you can grab a fantastic 40% off mains for a limited time. It’s a brilliant spot for groups and families alike, serving up great beer, wine, and cocktails in a friendly, welcoming space you'll want to return to again and again.


6. Coronation Inn
Acklam, Middlesbrough TS5 8AY, UK
The Coronation Inn is your ultimate local hub where every match feels like a cup final and every night brings live music to get you moving. With a massive stadium-sized screen, a sun-trap beer garden featuring outdoor screens, and a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends, dogs welcome too. Dive into proper pub classics like a hearty Sunday roast or a mind-blowing salad, all while enjoying the friendly service and lively buzz that makes this place a true gem for groups and sports fans alike.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Apple Tree
The Derby, Marton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough TS7 8RH, UK
Pull up a chair at The Apple Tree, a true local favourite where the beer flows freely and the welcome is always warm. With live music filling the air and plenty of screens for the big match, it’s a cracking spot to gather with friends over a well priced pint, a glass of wine, or a cheeky cocktail. The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny afternoons, and the menu is packed with delicious, hearty fare that keeps groups and families coming back for more.
Photo by Alex McGregor — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Yellow Rose
Roman Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6EN, UK
The Yellow Rose is a brilliant local gem where the beer is famously affordable and the buzz is infectious, drawing in a lively mix of regulars and newcomers alike. With a menu packed with homemade pizzas, massive parmos, and proper chips, it’s a fantastic spot for a hearty meal with friends or family. Grab a pint, catch the live music or the big match on screen, and enjoy the welcoming, dog friendly vibe that makes every visit feel like a celebration.


9. Endeavour
Newbridge Court, Middlesbrough TS5 7NQ, UK
Head straight to Endeavour Tollesby for a brilliant local pub where the drinks are cheap, the welcome is warm, and every visit feels like a celebration. With loads of screens showing everything from the World Cup to the Premier League, plus a lovely beer garden for sunny days, it’s a perfect spot for groups of mates and dog owners alike. The friendly staff keep the pints, wines, and cocktails flowing at unbeatable prices, and the live entertainment and Sunday roasts have earned a loyal following. Whether you’re catching a match or just settling in for a relaxed afternoon, this cheery Tollesby local delivers every time.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Swatters Carr
228 Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 3QW, UK
The Swatters Carr is a fantastic Wetherspoon pub where the history stretches back centuries and the prices remain famously low, perfect for a relaxed pint with friends. With a fantastic selection of real ales, wines, and cocktails, plus a licensed outdoor area ideal for groups, it’s a brilliant spot to catch up over a bargain meal. The friendly team keeps everything running smoothly, making it a reliably great choice for a casual breakfast, a quick lunch, or a lively evening out.
Photo by Colin Kinnear — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




