The Cliff

Head up to Mere Knolls Road and you'll find yourself in the kind of place that feels like it belongs to Roker — unpretentious, welcoming, and genuinely good at what it does. The Cliff does the basics brilliantly: you get a proper pint, the kitchen's putting actual effort into the food, and there's a real sense that locals keep coming back because they actually want to be here, not because they feel obligated. It's the sort of pub where you can grab a quick drink after work or settle in for something to eat without anyone making you feel like you've got to dress up or perform.