Houghton & Newbottle Real Ale Guide
Houghton le Spring is a town on the south western fringes of the Borough of Sunderland. Just north of it is the Villages of Newbottle and West Herrington. . Between them there are 4 pubs, 3 clubs, 1 hotel and 1 brewery. Of these six have real ale, two clubs are seasonal and one club does not serve real ale. Within the area are two Conservation Areas ( CAs) :- Houghton ( 8 on the map ) and Newbottle (5 on the map). Each pub below shows a link to the CAMRA Experience website, with give more details such as opening times. Please note that information contained may change. Telephone numbers have been provided if you wish to check details.
Public transport information is correct as of June 2024.
Heritage Pubs:- A Grade II listed club is also included in Newbottle. .
If you have any updates please email pubsofficer@sst.camra.org.uk
1. Frallo , Copt Hill
Seaham Road, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU Frallo-Houghton-le-Spring-CAMRA Experience
This pub occupies a lofty position above the town on the road to Seaham. There tales that the pub was haunted. Those who are curious go to the Houghton Heritage Society website. There is a pub page which summarises a lot of present and former pubs in the town, and also gives details of this haunting Tel :- 0191 7400401 Buses to Houghton Town Centre and Seaham stop close by the pub.
During a CAMRA magazine delivery in March 2026, noticed handpulls had been removed.
2. Highfield Hotel
Durham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT Highfield, East Rainton – CAMRA Experience
On the south western extremity of Sunderland Borough, this hotel/public bar and Thai restaurant has fine views over the countryside. Tel 0191 5120905 Buses to Durham, Houghton and Sunderland stop outside
3. Houghton Rugby Club
Diary Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH4 5BW Houghton Rugby Club, Houghton le Spring – CAMRA Experience
The club is just outside Houghton Town Centre and tends to have real ale on at weekends and during the rugby union season. Suggest check with them first. Tel 0191 5841460 Several buses stop nearby.
4. Maxim Brewery
1 Gladwell Road, Houghton le Spring, DH4 5NL Maxim Brewery, Houghton le Spring – CAMRA Experience
The brewery offers a call and collect service and used to hold monthly open nights till announcement that brewery to move to Castle Eden. (. Tel 0191 5848844. Buses to Durham and Sunderland about 10 minutes walk.
To learn more about the brewery and the beers it brews, go to :- Maxim – CAMRA Experience
5. Newbottle Workingmen’s Social Club
Front Street, Newbottle, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4EP Newbottle Working Men’s Club & Institute, Houghton le Spring – CAMRA Experience
Although this club does not sell real ale it is included as it is a Grade II listed building and features on the Historic England website It is also in the Newbottle Village Conservation Area – Heritage Pubs of Sunderland & South Tyneside (camra.org.uk) Tel :- 0191 5851398. Buses to Houghton , Sunderland and Washington stop very near the club.
6. Philadelphia Cricket & Community Club
Philadelphia, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4JE Philadelphia Cricket & Community Club, Houghton le Spring – CAMRA Experience
Real ale is usually unavailable ( seasonal) but has been included as they do hold a beer festival in July every year. Tel 0191 5841348 Buses to Houghton , Sunderland and Washington stop very near the club.
7. The Stables
McClaren Way, West Herrington, DH4 4ND Stables, West Herrington – CAMRA Experience
The pub with no obvious sign. Very much food led but does offer two well kept real ales. Tel 0191 5855131. Bus stops to Sunderland and Washington on main road
8. White Lion
Newbottle Street, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4HN White Lion, Houghton le Spring – CAMRA Experience
This pub is in the centre of town, overlooking The Broadway and Houghton Conservation Area – Heritage Pubs of Sunderland & South Tyneside (camra.org.uk) Usually has two real ales available. Tel 0191 5120735 All town bus services stop within two minutes walk.
During a CAMRA magazine delivery in March 2026, told no real ale available.
9. Wild Boar
Frederick Place, Houghton Le Spring, DH4 4BN Wild Boar, Houghton Le Spring – CAMRA Experience
Not far from The White Lion, with the usual selection of real ales found in Wetherspoons, and also in the Conservation Area ( link above) Tel 0191 5128050 All town bus services stop within two minutes walk
There is more about CA’s on the Branch Heritage Pubs Website ,Conservation Areas
The other guides can be found at the top of this page, where there is also a “Contact Us” form
Bus Information :- Traveline North East
Compiled by Ken Paul June 24, who took all photos . Updated Dec 25, Copt Hill now called Frallo