Roker, Seaburn & Monkwearmouth Real Ale Guide
This area is north of Sunderland City Centre and there are 11 real ale pubs, two hotels, two breweries and a Grade II listed pub. Within the area is Roker Park Conservation Area (CA) , outlined on the map . Each entry 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 October 2024.
1. The Avenue
26 Zetland Street, Sunderland, SR6 0EQ Avenue, Sunderland –
Located just off Roker Avenue, this Good Beer Guide regular has up to six real ales and up to 18 real ciders to chose from. The pub is the 2024 Branch Cider Pub of the Year. Tel 0191 5677412. Sunderland bus stops at end of Zetland St.
2. Blue Bell
Fulwell Road, Sunderland, SR6 9AD Blue Bell, Sunderland
Located on the corner of a busy junction, this Stonegate pub offers up to six handpulls. Third pint paddles are available. Tel :- 0191 5494020 The pub is well served by public transport ; Seaburn Metro Station is about five minutes walk to the west. Regular buses to the City Centre and South Shields stop nearby.
3. The Cliff
Mere Knolls Road, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 9LG Cliff, Sunderland –
This pub is in a residential area not far from Roker Park and the beach. There is real ale from two handpulls to chose from. Tel :- 0191 5486200. There is a bus stop close by for an hourly service; walk towards the coast for a more frequent service to City Centre and South Shields.
4. The Flying Boat
Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 9EE Flying Boat, Sunderland
1950’s pub originally called The Flying Boat, renamed The Royal Marine and now has its original name. Up to three cask ales are served. Tel :- 0191 5485961 Buses to City Centre and South Shields pass the door.
5. Grannie Annies
3 Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0PL Grannie Annie’s Pub & Pantry
Formerly The Smugglers, this pub is on Roker Beach and offers up to three real ales. Access is from the main A183 Coast Road or through Roker Park ravine nearby. Within the area is Roker Park Conservation Area Tel :- 0191 5656748. Buses on the Coast Road to Sunderland and South Shields
6. Harbour View
Harbour View, Sunderland, SR6 0NU Harbour View, Sunderland
As the name suggests, this pub overlooks Roker Harbour and is a Good Beer Guide Favourite. Up to six handpulls are usually available. Parking can be a problem. Tel :- 0191 5671402. Buses to City Centre and South Shields stop close by.
7. The Lighthouse.
7 Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 9BP Lighthouse,
Sunderland’s first micropub located in a busy area of Fulwell. Owned by a former Maxim Brewery employee, there are up to four handpulls available, usually Maxim core beers and seasonals. Tel :- 07817 884157. There are frequent buses nearby to Sunderland City Centre and South Shields. Seaburn Metro Station is about five minutes walk
8. New Derby
Roker Baths Road, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 9TA New Derby,
1960’s pub close to Roker Park and the seafront. This is a Green King house dispensing up to four cask; some Greene King, some guests ( eg from Maxim Brewery. Tel 0191 5486263. Hourly bus service outside the door.
9. North Pier Brewery Taproom
North Pier Brewery Taproom, Harbour View , Sunderland, SR6 0OQ North Pier Brewery,
Taproom for North Pier Brewery. Bus E1 to Sunderland and South Shields stops nearby . The taproom as been temporarily suspended so the brewer can concentrate on his brewing
10. Poetic License
9-13 Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9NB Poetic License, Sunderland –
The public bar for the Roker Hotel, which is in The Roker Park Conservation Area ( as is the Queen Vic (above). Tel 0191 5671786. Bus E1 to Sunderland and South Shields stops nearby NOTE – NO REAL ALE REPORTED SEPTEMBER 2026
11. Promenade
1 Queens Parade, Sunderland, SR6 8DA Promenade, Sunderland
Across the road from Seaburn sea front, this pub offers up to three real ales. As well outdoor seating at the front, there is a quieter area at the rear. Tel 0191 5292226 Buses to Sunderland and South Shields stop nearby
12. Seaburn Inn
Whitburn Road, Sunderland, SR6 8AA Seaburn Inn, Sunderland
This hotel and public bar opened in 2021 and serves real ale from two handpulls. Overlooks Seaburn seafront. Tel :- 0191 5803610 Buses to Sunderland and South Shields stop nearby
13. These Things Happen
Harbour View, Sunderland, SR6 0NL These Things Happen,
A recent addition to the pub scene in Roker, this former car sales room overlooks Roker Marina. NOTE CASK ALE NOT AVAILABLE Tel; – 0191 5439515. Bus E1 to Sunderland and South Shields stops nearby
14.Vaux Brewery Taproom AKA Vaux Social
Monk Street Sunderland SR6 0DB Vaux Brewery, Sunderland-
Vaux Brewery moved their operation to Charles Street above within the last 12 months. . Tel 0191 5805770 Several buses stop near The Wheatsheaf pub . For more on the brewery go to CAMRA | Vaux Brewery, Sunderland
15. Wheatsheaf
207 Roker Avenue, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, SR6 0BN Wheatsheaf, Sunderland
This Grade II listed building stands in a prominent position next to a busy junction. The pub does not have real ale.. Tel 0191 5109826. Buses to several locations stop close by
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 Oct 24, who took all photos except where stated.
Updated December 25. Vaux Brewery now in Charles St. August 26. Former Vaux Brewery reopens as Vaux Social September 26 – No real ale – Poetic License