The Best Pubs in Sunderland

The Museum Vaults is a cracking boozer that feels like a proper local gem. It’s a brilliant spot for a post work drink or a pre match pint, with a real fire that adds to the warmth and a very friendly crowd. You’ll find great real ales and a couple of malts on offer, making it a top choice for anyone who appreciates quality beer.

The Ivy House is a true gem for anyone who loves great beer, cider, and rock and roll. Their burgers are legendary, easily the best in the city, and the weekly quiz nights and Rock and Roll Bingo create an incredibly fun, lively vibe. You can also enjoy your pint outside on the terrace, making it a perfect local spot.

Fitzgeralds is a pub known for its excellent real ales, friendly service, and tasty homemade food. The menu includes options like chilli and chips, chicken curry with rice and chips, and a new range of imported bottles such as Under Dog from Flying Dog Brewery. It also features Vendett extra on tap and has outdoor seating available. This pub is praised as the best boozer in town for its great range of ales and welcoming staff.

The Saltgrass is a brilliant spot that truly comes alive with its welcoming outdoor seating area, perfect for soaking up good times with friends. The pub buzzes with a friendly, down to earth energy that makes everyone feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Whether you're grabbing a pint in the fresh air or settling in for a relaxed evening, this place has a genuine warmth and character that keeps people coming back.

The New Derby is a Greene King pub known for its friendly staff and great beer selection, making it a popular spot for singles. It offers outdoor seating and is described as a great place for a pre or post match drink. Visitors rave about the fab food and the warm, friendly welcome they receive.

The Chesters is the perfect place to relax with friends and family while enjoying a refreshing drink or delicious pub food. It offers a family friendly setting and is ideal for catching Sky and BT sports. The food is very fairly priced, with incredible deals like two meals for nine quid and a full English breakfast for just 1.99. With outdoor seating and big screens for live sport, it is the ultimate spot for a great meal and watching the action.

The Cooper Rose is a Wetherspoon pub offering award winning food and drink with superb quality, choice, and value. It serves an all-day menu of traditional meals and international dishes, including great burgers and fried chicken, plus cheap real ales. The pub is known for its friendly staff, beer, and breakfast food, and it features a decked licensed outside area, step free access, and Wi Fi. As a Wetherspoon pub, it has been acclaimed for its real ale quality in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2026.

The Peacock is a proper community pub where people make the place great. It offers proper pub food and drink menus with something for everyone, plus live sport on giant screens. The excellent service includes very attentive staff and a very good choice of meals in the lounge. There are great cask ales and a strong bottle selection including ciders. It is a vibrant venue for pub people who want no faff and just good grub.

The William Jameson is an award winning pub that offers superb quality, choice, and value in both food and drink. Its all day menu features an exciting mix of traditional meals and popular international dishes. This Wetherspoon pub is known for being a great value spot in town that is good for groups, with outdoor seating available. It offers specific food specials on certain nights, including Steak night on Tuesdays, Curry Club on Thursdays, and Sunday Club, and is considered the more relaxed of the three Wetherspoon pubs in the city centre.

The Stumble Inn is a brilliant local spot where fantastic food and drinks are served without breaking the bank. This place truly comes alive on Tuesday nights with a pub quiz that kicks off around 8 or 8.30, an event so good it’s well worth planning your week around. With a great variety of entertainment on offer throughout the week, it’s a welcoming hub that keeps things lively and fun.