The Best Pubs in Washington
Washington’s pub culture is a rich tapestry, where historic inns and riverside retreats sit alongside lively sports bars and family run spots. Whether you’re after a hearty Sunday roast, a pint of local ale by the river, or a dog friendly beer garden with live music, the scene here offers something for every mood. Nestled in a town with deep industrial roots and a strong community spirit, these pubs reflect a genuine warmth and variety that makes every visit feel like a discovery. Come explore the best pubs in Washington.


1. Wearside Farm - Dining & Carvery
3 Turbine Way, Sunderland SR5 3NZ, UK
If you’re craving a proper carvery that won’t break the bank, Wearside Farm is the place to be! This welcoming Farmhouse Inn serves up generous plates of slow-roasted meats with all the trimmings, plus a cracking selection of beers and wines to wash it all down. With outdoor seating and plenty of space for groups, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed family meal or a hearty get-together.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Shipwrights
Ferryboat Ln, Sunderland SR5 3HW, UK
For a proper local that nails the balance between lively and welcoming, The Shipwrights is an absolute gem. The kitchen turns out hearty, homemade classics like tender Sunday roasts and belly pork that keep folks coming back week after week, all at a price that feels like a steal. With a solid lineup of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus outdoor seating and a dog friendly policy, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends for a game or a relaxed group meal. Just be sure to book ahead this place fills up fast for good reason.
Photo by Tim Heaton — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Wheatsheaf Inn
Durham Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 2AB, UK
Nestled in the heart of the village, The Wheatsheaf Inn is a true gem where history meets hearty hospitality. This charming, dog friendly pub serves up proper home cooked food from scratch, from stunning Sunday roasts to delicious pizzas that leave a crowd of ten absolutely delighted. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus plenty of outdoor seating and ample parking, it’s the perfect spot for a family meal or a lively gathering with friends. The warm, welcoming team runs the place with genuine care, making every visit feel like a treat.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Oddfellows Arms
Waterside, Houghton le Spring, Coxgreen SR4 9JS, UK
Tucked right alongside the river, the Oddfellows Arms is a wonderfully unpretentious local where the beer garden steals the show. This dog friendly spot is ideal for walkers and cyclists on the Wear Way or C2C routes, offering a sunny spot with river views and reasonably priced pints. The interior has a charmingly dated feel, and you might even stumble into a lively karaoke night that has everyone joining in.


5. The Grey Horse
Wigton Pl, Houghton le Spring DH4 7ER, UK
From the moment you walk in, The Grey Horse feels like the perfect local to settle into for hours. The Sunday roast is an absolute steal at just under £11 for two courses, and the reopening has brought a fantastic lineup of beers, wines, and spirits. With live music, outdoor seating, and a dog friendly welcome, it’s a brilliant spot to catch the game or gather a group for a relaxed, lively evening.


6. The Waggon Inn
Galloping Green Rd, Gateshead NE9 7XB, UK
The Waggon Inn is a true family run gem where hearty, generous portions of freshly cooked food take centre stage. This welcoming pub serves up a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it an ideal spot for groups to gather for a celebration or a relaxed meal. With plenty of outdoor seating and ample parking, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a lively pre match pint or a leisurely Sunday lunch with loved ones.
Photo by Donald Brydon — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Cherry Tree
Goldcrest Rd, Washington, Ayton NE38 0DL, UK
The Cherry Tree is the ultimate local for catching the game, enjoying a pint in the beer garden, or tucking into hearty, homemade food that’s great value for money. With a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and plenty of screens for sports, there’s always something happening. It’s a welcoming, dog friendly spot where groups and families alike can settle in for a proper, unpretentious pub experience.
Photo by Alex McGregor — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Ox & Plough Washington
Oxclose Village Centre, Washington NE38 0LZ, UK
This lively local is a true community hub, serving up a cracking range of beers, wines, and cocktails alongside a welcoming buzz. The kitchen turns out beautifully cooked dishes like the Hogfather burger, and with live music, open mic nights, and screens for sports, there’s always something to enjoy. It’s a dog friendly spot with outdoor seating that’s ideal for groups, and the friendly, professional team makes every visit feel like a proper night out.


9. The Blue Bell Inn
Peareth Hall Rd, Washington NE37 1NP, UK
The Blue Bell Inn is a proper local where the team always delivers a warm welcome, making every visit feel like a great night out. The Sunday lunch is a winner, with massive Yorkshires and fresh, delicious food that keeps folks coming back. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and outdoor seating, it’s a dog friendly spot perfect for groups, a relaxed meal, or catching the game.


10. The Havelock Arms
Bonemill Ln, Washington NE38 8AJ, UK
Perched right on the banks of the River Wear in the picturesque village of Fatfield, The Havelock Arms is a charming riverside retreat that’s perfect for unwinding with friends or family. The bar is packed with local ales, wines, and cocktails, while the new Spring menu brings vibrant dishes like flat iron chicken with chimichurri butter and grilled seabass risotto. With a sunny front terrace, live music, and a warm welcome for both groups and four legged companions, this spot is an absolute delight for a relaxed meal or a leisurely drink by the water.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




