The top five South Shields pubs you should be drinking in
For all its history Tyneside’s second largest town, South Shields, is probably best known to the world at large for providing the finish of the Bupa Great North Run.
But whether you’re looking for a pint after running 13.1 miles, visiting the National Trust-owned Souter Lighthouse or just spending a day at the seaside, here “Damned Yank” home brewer Dave Witters picks out the top five South Shields pubs you should be drinking in right now.
The Maltings
Address: 9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 4PG
Opening times: Monday to Sunday – Noon to 11pm
A tap house for the Jarrow Brewery – whose old brew plant remains on the ground floor – The Maltings boasts six beers from the Bede Industrial Estate-based business and a nice Thai restaurant.
The pub is also located just across the street from the South Shields Town Hall, so you can enjoy a pint and feel a little democratic as you sit on its comfortable benches, stools, leatherback sofas, and chairs and put the world to rights.
Expect six real ales on the hand pulls with three guest ales, a selection of Belgian bottled beers and fruit beers, and up to six guest real ciders at any time.
Overall the atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy a nice comfortable pint.
The Steamboat
Address: 27 Mill Dam, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1EQ
Opening times: Monday to Wednesday – Noon to 11pm; Thursday to Saturday – noon to midnight; Sunday – noon to 11.30pm
A welcoming pub just a small walk from The Customs House and a favorite for pre-gig drinks, The Steamboat offers a range of real ales on its eight hand pulls, with a ninth hand pull dedicated to cider.
Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of the bar or a quieter pint, there is plenty of seating both in the main part of the pub and in a quieter room just up the stairs, where you can sit and gaze at the walls and ceilings, which are adorned with relics and memorabilia from South Shields’ seafaring past.
The pub regularly hosts meet the brewer events as well as local musicians, with the occasional jam session.
The Alum Ale House
Address: Ferry Street, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1JR
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday – 11am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday – 11am to midnight; Sunday – noon to 11pm
The Alum Ale House is situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, next to the Ferry Landing and close to the Market Place.
This pub boasts views of the river from it’s open patio and acts as the first stop after disembarking from the Shields Ferry – or a last stop if you are heading north.
On a nice day you can sit out and watch the cruise ships and cargo vessels slowly floating by as they enter and leave the Tyne.
While inside has a warm and comfortable feeling no matter the weather and offers respite for the weary commuter, tired shopper – or gasping Great North Runner – with twelve ever changing beers from the Marstons range (though there’s no real cider)
The Dolly Peel
Address: 137 Commercial Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1SQ
Opening times: Monday to Wednesday – Noon to 11pm; Thursday to Saturday – noon to midnight
Named after a local fishwife and smuggler whose husband and sons were press ganged into the navy The Dolly Peel is a nice quiet pub that serves its surrounding neighborhood with a selection of real ales and the usual more mass market beers.
The pub is spacious and quiet with a mix of comfortable chairs, stools, leather sofas, and chairs for drinkers to recline in.
There are five hand-pull beer pumps, with one dedicated to Black Sheep Bitter and the rest to a revolving range of guest ales.
It’s a great place to enjoy a pint and a quiet conversation while the world drives by outside at its normal pace.
The Wouldhave
Address: 16 Mile End Road South Shields Tyne and Wear NE33 1TR
Opening times: Monday to Thursday – 8am to midnight; Friday and Saturday – 8am to 1am; Sunday – 8am to midnight.
Yes it’s a Wetherspoons pub but if you’re struck for something to eat and drink then The Wouldhave is not a bad bet.
As you’d expect there is a large, ever changing range of beers, with the usual Spoons set menu, and location wise this pub benefits from being located just a couple minutes walk from the South Shields Metro Station.
The pub has a very easy, welcoming atmosphere where you can relax with friends and enjoy a meal while supping real ale and craft beer with the occasional cider thrown in for good measure.
After a long day at the office and a long commute home on the Metro The Wouldhave is a welcome sight at the end of the line.
Think we’ve missed your favourite South Shields pubs from our list? Make a case for it in the comments below – or tell us what you think on the Canny Brew Facebook page.