The Best Pubs
in
South Shields

Tucked away with a wonderfully old-fashioned feel, the Low Lights Tavern is a true gem for anyone who loves a proper, character-filled local. With its crackling open fire, an incredible selection of real ales and hearty pies, and a menu packed with generous, home-cooked fare, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy meal or a relaxed pint. The pub is famously dog-friendly in one area and offers a separate dining space, plus live music and outdoor seating when the mood strikes—all served up with genuinely warm, welcoming staff. Whether you’re after a top-tier Sunday dinner or just a quiet corner with a book and a beer, this place delivers on every front.

Step into the Rockcliffe Arms and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered one of the last truly authentic locals around, with a cracking selection of ales and lagers at prices that feel like a throwback. It’s the perfect spot to settle in for the football, surrounded by friendly staff and plenty of seats, all while admiring the cool old trophies and photos that line the walls. Dog-friendly and welcoming to groups, this cosy gem offers outdoor seating for sunny days and a proper pub quiz for lively nights—absolutely worth a visit whenever you’re in the area.

Head to The Gunner for an absolute treasure of a local, where the welcome is as warm as the beer is cold and the prices leave you smiling. This cracking spot is a dream for sports fans, with every major match on display, plus a lively lineup of live music and a spacious beer garden for sunny sessions. Whether you're gathering a big group, bringing the dog, or just after a great pint, wine, or cocktail, it's a brilliant, budget friendly choice that hits the mark every time.

Discover the Turks Head, a proper pub where the beer is always top notch, the staff are genuinely friendly, and the welcome extends to four legged friends too. Whether you’re catching the big match on Sky Sports, settling in for live music, or gathering a group to enjoy a brilliant pizza and a round of cocktails, this place has you covered. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to stay for one more pint, with a lively buzz that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Marine is a fantastic, family run pub that brilliantly blends a rich, colourful history with a modern, award winning edge. With a superb selection of cask ales, craft beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a menu of delicious food made from fresh local ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a proper, dog friendly local with outdoor seating, a pool table, and a warm welcome for groups, making it the perfect spot for a great pint and a memorable meal.

For a cracking pint and a top-tier meal, The Grey Hen is an absolute winner, offering a wonderfully warm welcome to both locals and their four-legged friends. Whether you're tucking into a legendary Sunday carvery with melt-in-the-mouth beef, catching the big game with a cocktail in hand, or enjoying the fresh air on the outdoor patio, this place delivers on every front. With generous portions, a brilliant range of beers and wines, and a lively yet cosy vibe perfect for groups, it’s the kind of spot that makes you plan your next visit before you’ve even left.

If you're after great value drinks and a cracking meal in a spot that's always buzzing, The Wouldhave is a top choice. This spacious Wetherspoon pub serves up a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, with a huge beer garden that's perfect for sunny sessions. The team here are incredibly friendly and efficient, making it a brilliant place for groups or catching the big match on one of the many screens.

How Do You Do is a total gem, serving up generous portions of delicious food alongside a fantastic range of beers, wines, and creative cocktails. The quirky, boutique decor and lively buzz make it a brilliant spot for groups, while the outdoor seating and dog-friendly policy add to its easygoing charm. Whether you're popping in for a bottomless brunch, a special celebration, or just a relaxed meal, the incredibly warm and attentive service will leave you planning your next visit before you've even left.

Welcome to the New Crown Hotel, your ultimate local hub where every game feels like a cup final and the live music keeps the energy high all night long. With a huge stadium sized screen, a sun trap beer garden for alfresco viewing, and a menu packed with epic pub classics and creative pizzas, it’s the perfect spot for groups, dogs, and anyone after a great pint, wine, or cocktail. The recent refurbishment has made it look absolutely fantastic, and the friendly team ensures every visit is a brilliant experience.

The Fountain is a brilliant, budget friendly spot where you can catch all the big games on Sky Sports while enjoying a pint, a glass of wine, or a cheeky cocktail with your mates. With a huge beer garden, live music, and a proper dog friendly welcome, it’s the perfect place for groups to gather and soak up the lively buzz. The food is generous, well priced, and full of flavour, making every visit a cracking experience whether you’re popping in for a quick drink or settling in for a full meal.