Port of Call

You'll find this sprawling boozer right in the heart of the city centre, and it's exactly the sort of place that makes Sunderland's drinking scene worth defending. The beer selection is spot-on – proper ales alongside the usual suspects, served by staff who actually know their stuff. The food menu runs deep into hearty pub classics that'll sort you right out after a day wandering around town. What sets Port of Call apart is its genuine local feel despite being slap bang in the centre. You'll get everyone from office workers grabbing a quick pint to groups settling in for the long haul, especially at weekends when it stays open until the early hours. The place has that lived-in comfort that only comes from years of being properly loved by its regulars.