11/11/22 – Sunderland, North Shields, South Shields and The Coast

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Day out starting at Vaux Brewery in Sunderland before heading along the coast to Whitburn, and heading onto North and South Shields and finishing the day with some micropubs around Monkseaton and Whitley Bay.

Vaux Brewery

First call of the day in Sunderland was to “Vaux Brewery”, a short walk from Stadium of Light Tyne and Wear Metro station. Upon entering a great tap room with the brewery located behind the bar.

A great range of craft beers available on the bar, the first six being from Vaux Brewery and the last four from guest breweries. Started with “Electric Mayhem” by Vaux Brewery, a delicious fruit sour based on the Sex on the Beach Cocktail, followed by “Pash Pash Passion” by Carnival Brewing Company based in Liverpool. The name for this says it all, a refreshing Passion Fruit Sour Beer.

Blue’s Micro Pub

Out on the bus next along the North East coast (bus route from Sunderland to South Shields), getting off at Whitburn and heading to “Blue’s Micro Pub” which had opened in February 2020, and has won several CAMRA Awards since opening.

A great spot and well worth a visit. 5 real ale handpulls featuring local beers along with a good range of craft beers on keg. Decided on “Believe IPA” by Newcastle based Almasty Brewery.

The Cask Lounge

Back onto the bus now to head up to South Shields. First visit here was to “The Cask Lounge”. It has been transformed from a former Housing Rent Office and extended more recently into a Vinyl Album Store and Coffee Shop to make the premises larger.

A very warm and welcoming venue with a fantastic looking bar at the back. 5 Real Ale handpulls alongside one served on gravity. Sea Cider real cider and several keg lines. Went with a beer more local to me from Wilde Child based in Leeds, “Disturbing the Distracted”, a great take on an English IPA.

The Steamboat

Before heading over the Tyne on the ferry. I dropped into “The Steamboat”. A pub ive visited before back in 2014. A pub packed full of Character and the bar inside looked brilliant. Had their House Beer brewed by Laine Brew Co, “Steamboat Pale Ale”, a refreshing English Pale Ale.

Now time to head over from South Shields to North Shields on the Shields Ferry. Again something ive not done since 2014. Travelled over on “Spirit of the Tyne”

Enigma Tap

Once in North Shields, I headed down to “Enigma Tap”. This micropub was converted from a former shop unit. Great front to the pub and really stands out when walking past.

A range of four real ales along with a good range of craft beers and ciders. Went with “Run Hop Run” by Rigg & Furrow Brewery based in Acklington, Northumberland. A great citrusy session ale made using Simcoe Hops.

Flash House Brewery Tap Room

Next to walk out towards the Fish Quay to “Flash House Brewery Tap Room”. Located on a hill overlooking the River Tyne. A fantastic venue with a great vibe and pretty full when I arrived. The brewery is based in the same building and the bar set up for opening on a Friday and Saturday, but looks great.

A great choice of two real ales and eight keg beers, all from their own brewery. Started with the “Lemon Sherbert Sour” at 5.5%, followed by “Blueberry Sour” at 3.4%. Both really refreshing and mouthwatering.

Gilbert & Smith’s

Headed out of North Shields next on the Tyne and Wear Metro, heading to Whitley Bay. Ive visited here several times but a couple of new Micropubs between here and Monkseaton that I hadnt visited yet. First of these was “Gilbert & Smith’s”. This Micropub opened in 2018. A small one roomed bar which was pretty busy on entering.

Two real ales available (the third had just run off), both from nearby Whitley Bay Brewing Company. Decided to go with “Ghost Ships”, a very light and tasty Session IPA.

The Crafty Cold Well

Headed up towards Monkseaton next, to try a newly opened Micropub “The Crafty Cold Well”. This had only just opened and was packed when I went in (always the sign of a good pub).

A choice of four cask ales, one real cider and seven craft beer/lager options to choose from. Decided to go with something local so went for “Citra Pale” by Newcastle based Almasty Brewery. A lovely pale ale and worth the uphill walk from Monkseaton for.

Front Street Tap House

Last call of the night (luckily downhill from the last one), just before Monkseaton Station was “Front Street Tap House”, again a very busy bar both inside and outside.

A great choice of beers again, four real ales and 5 keg/craft beers available on a great looking menu board. Went with a Manchester based brewery Pomona Island, the beer being “Killian is Lying to You”, a DDH Table Beer. Was busy inside so sat outside and had a great chat to some locals.