The Gunners, Sunderland

You'll find The Gunners tucked away on Mary Street, in that stretch where Sunderland's bar scene actually gets interesting. It's the kind of place that doesn't need to shout about itself—locals know it's worth the visit, and the 4.7 rating from 160 reviews speaks for itself. Walk in and you're getting real bar culture: attentive staff who know their stuff, a drinks menu that goes beyond the obvious, and a room that feels lived-in rather than designed-by-committee. Whether you're after a proper pint or something more adventurous from the bottle, there's a genuinely welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger.