South Shields Centre Real Ale Guide
The above map of South Shields Town Centre shows 10 real ale pubs, 13 non real ale pubs and a club. Within the area is the Mill Dam Conservation Area , marked on map. Each pub below shows a link to the CAMRA Experience website, which 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.
Heritage Pubs:- South Tyneside Council keeps a local listing of significant heritage assets that do not meet the criteria for inclusion in a Historic England national listing. Full information is available from Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Also one pub features in the CAMRA Pub Heritage Guide and there are five Grade II listed buildings. .
Public transport information is correct as of Oct 2024.
1. Alum Ale House
Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR Alum Ale House, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Close to the Shields Ferry Landing , this is a Grade II listed pub serving up to 12 real ales. These are mostly from the Marstons range. Pleasant outdoor decking area offering views of the river. Tel :- 07720 207553. South Shields Bus/Metro Interchange is less than 10 minutes walk. Buses also stop in Coronation St nearby.
2. Britannia
12 Charlotte St, South Shields, NE33 4NU Britannia, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Grade II listed late Victorian building opposite the Town Hall. No real ale. Tel 01914552781 Close to bus and metro interchange.
3. Cask Lounge
1 Charlotte Terrace, South Shields, NE33 1QQ Cask Lounge, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Micropub opposite the Town Hall . Has up to six real ales available. Note the pub operates a table booking system. Tel: – 07513 906703 Three minute walk to Bus/Metro Interchange.
4. Criterion
2a Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2HZ Criterion, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
This pub is above a bookmakers in the centre of town. No real ale available. On the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Tel :- 0191 4550808. Two minute walk to Bus/Metro Interchange.
5. Dolly Peel
137 Commercial Road, South Shields, NE33 1SQ Dolly Peel, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
On the outskirts of the town centre, this small pub is worth a visit. Real ale available from two handpulls. Following a change of owner and a brief refurb closure, reponed in November 2025. On the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Tel :- N/A Ten minute walk to Chichester Metro or there is a bus stop close by.
6. Flying Angel
53 Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ Flying Angel Cellar Club, South Shields – CAMRA Experience Mission to Seafarers club in Mill Dam Conservation Area There is no real ale and beer is served from cans and bottles. Opposite The Customs House. Tel :- N/A. South Shields Bus/Metro Interchange is less than 10 minutes walk. Buses also stop in Coronation St nearby.
10. Log Fire Pizza Co
9-11 Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ Log Fire Pizza Co, South Shields – CAMRA Experience Formerly Frontiers; Waterfront Bar, and Mill Dam, this is now a restaurant with a public bar. In Mill Dam Conservation Area. Tel :- N/A South Shields Bus/Metro Interchange is less than 10 minutes walk. Buses also stop in Coronation St nearby.
7. Harbour Lights
101 Lawe Road, South Shields, NE33 2AJ Harbour Lights, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Located on Lawe Top with dramatic views, this pub still has its former name, Crown Inn, on the roof. One real ale is served On the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Tel:- 07305 645243 Bus terminus to town centre is outside.
11. Lookout Inn
178 Fort Street, South Shields, NE33 2AR Lookout Inn, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Not far from the Harbour Lights and close to the Arbeia Roman Fort. No real ale. On the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Tel:- 0191 4210749 Bus terminus to town centre is outside.
8. Kirkpatricks Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2HT Kirkpatricks, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
The only pub in South Tyneside that has a blue plaque this is a Grade II listed building. Closed undergoing refurbishment. Less than five minutes walk to Bus/Metro Interchange.
17. The Pier 140 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JJ Pier, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Not far from the town centre , this pub is on the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Former real ale pub. Tel :- 0191 4567176. Five minute walk to Bus/Metro Interchange
9. Lambton Arms
5 East Street, South Shields, NE33 1BP Lambton Arms, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Next door to The Mechanics, this pub is on the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Currently closed and for sale.
15. Mechanics
3 East Street, South Shields, NE33 1BW Mechanics Arms, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Next door to the Lambton Arms, this pub does not serve real ale. On the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council Tel:- 0191 456 0655. Less than five minutes walk to Bus and Metro Interchange
12. Scotia
1 Mile End Road, South Shields, NE33 1TA Madleys, South Shields – CAMRA Experience Opposite the Ship & Royal. Grade II listed building Pub is currently closed.
19. Ship & Royal
3 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2HT Ship & Royal, South Shields – CAMRA Experience Large pub in the centre of town ( opposite Madleys). It closed at the end of October 2024 It is on the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council . Tel :- 0191 4560782 Two minute walk to Bus/Metro Interchange.
14. Marine
230 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JQ Marine, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Branch Pub of the Year for 2024, and a Good Beer Guide regular, this popular pub is not far from the sea front. At least six real ales are available plus real boxed cider. Tel:- 0191 4550280. Buses to Town Centre and to Sunderland via the Coast stop nearby. 10 minute walk to Metro Station
16. New Crown
Mowbray Road, South Shields, NE33 3NG New Crown Hotel, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Marstons pub which overlooks the sea front and the end of the Great North Run. At least one Marstons beer available. Tel :- 0191 4557323. Buses to Town Centre and to Sunderland via the Coast stop nearby.
18. Shenanigans
3 Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ https://camra.org.uk/pubs/shenanigans-south-shields-192653R
Former Branch Pub of the Year ( four times), it is located in Mill Dam Conservation Area. Renamed to Shenanigans in Spring 2026. No real ale. Tel :- 0191 4277917 .South Shields Bus/Metro Interchange is less than 10 minutes walk. Buses also stop in Coronation St nearby.
20. Stags Head
45 Fowler Street, South Shields, NE33 1NS Stags Head, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Listed on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, ( click on Historic Interior tab in the above link.) It is also a Grade II listed building Two handpulls available. Tel :- 07525 839675. A short walk to the Bus/Metro Interchange.
21 – Steamboat
27 Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ Steamboat, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
Multi award winning pub in Mill Dam Conservation Area. There are seven ever changing cask ales and ciders available. If that wasn’t enough, the pub is a Grade II listed building More accolades on the CAMRA Experience website. ( above). Tel:- 0191 4540134 South Shields Bus/Metro Interchange is less than 10 minutes walk. Buses also stop in Coronation St nearby.
22. Trimmers Arms
34 Commercial Road, South Shields, NE33 1RW Trimmers Arms, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
A real ale pub on the periphery of the Town Centre, bu surrounded by a large housing estate. It is on the Local List A to Z – South Tyneside Council . Tel :- N/A Ten minute walk to Chichester Metro or there is a bus stop close by.
23- The Wouldhave
16 Mile End Road, South Shields, NE33 1TA Wouldhave, South Shields – CAMRA Experience
A Wetherspoons pub offering the usual range of core and guest real ales, plus boxed cider. Larger than originally built after a refurb in 2021. Tel :- 0191 4276014. Three minute walk to the Bus/Metro Interchange.
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 & Metro Information :- Traveline North East
Compiled by Ken Paul October 24, who took the photos unless where indicated/ December 25 – updated Dolly Peel entry