A Stroll Through Central Sunderland
A laid back visit to Sunderland, aiming for a couple of well-chosen ales. The rain cleared by the time we approached the city and a patch of blue sky promised an easy stroll around the centre. We didn’t hit every pub we’d have liked – so clearly, a return trip is inevitable.
Sunderland: Keel Square and the Empire Theatre
The Peacock
Area: Keel Square/High Street West
Style: Traditional style with food options
Visit order: 1
I’ve always had a soft spot for a triangular building. The Peacock ticks that box beautifully – especially as there’s real ale on tap inside. Perched just off Keel Square, which continues to improve with the redevelopment.
It’s a great start to the crawl, especially today as there are home-made sausage roll samples on offer today. The ones with chorizo went down very well with the team.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Maxim Brewery | Idaho 7 | 4.5% |
| Pennine Brewing Co | Pacific | 4.1% |
The Dun Cow
Area: Next door to the Empire
Style: Traditional ale house
Visit order: 2
A legend of a location standing proudly next to the Sunderland Empire Theatre. From the outside it’s striking, but inside, the bar back really steals the show. A tempting selection of craft and keg beers had us sampling a couple, the Anarchy Brew was outstanding.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Anarchy Brew Co. | Backfire | 4.5% |
| Wylde Sky Brewing | Gold | 4.0% |
Sunderland: Green Terrace, City Centre
The Canny Lad (formerly Fitzgerald’s)
Area: Central
Style: Large bar with an Irish theme
Visit order: 3
Renamed about a year ago, it still proudly bears its Irish Tavern identity. Cosy and welcoming, with a mix of folk enjoying a variety of drinks. Four kegs on the menu, all good. We sampled two before moving on.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Three Brothers Brewing Co | S’more Porter | 4.8% |
| Stewart Brewing | Jack Black | 3.7% |
Sunderland, Park Lane Bus Station
The Cooper Rose
Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 4
A busy Wetherspoons, buzzing with the promise of the afternoon deal (that’s why we had no real ale here). The nationwide Spoons beer festival is imminent and the menu looks inviting. I’ll be back to try a few during the festival period.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Erdinger Weissbräu | Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) | 5.3% |
M.O.D
Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Military Themed Micropub
Next door to The Gunners, M.O.D is all military, making it a fascinating stop even for non-buffs. It’s not every day you see a Gatling gun behind the bar. The real ale selection is modest, but the price is keen and the decor more than makes up for it.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Taylor’s Brewery | Boltmaker | 4.0% |
Chaplins
Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Busy pub with outdoor seating
Visit order: 6
Always busy, always a reliable choice for quality real ales. Luckily we snagged a table to enjoy our final beers with the bus station just next door ready to whisk us away.
| Brewery | Beer | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Bowness Bay Brewing | Swift Best | 3.8% |
| Crafty Monkey Brewing Co | Reward IPA | 4.7% |
| Bowland Brewery | Buster IPA | 4.0% |
| Today’s Summary |
|---|
| Total Pubs: 6 |
| Total Beers: 12 |
| Cask: 11 |
| Bottle: 1 |
| Strongest: 5.3% |
| Mildest: 3.7% |
There are plenty more pubs in Sunderland to (re)visit, but this short trip hit the spot perfectly. It wasn’t a monumental trek – just a quick, satisfying slurp around the city. Mission accomplished.
