The Keel Tavern

You'll find The Keel Tavern planted right on Keel Square, that bit of Sunderland city centre where things actually feel like somewhere worth being. It's the sort of place that doesn't need to shout about itself — the 4.5-star rating and loyal crowd speak louder than any marketing could. The bar's got character without trying too hard, decent enough selection of drinks to keep things interesting, and staff who genuinely seem to know what they're doing. Whether you're after a quiet pint after work or catching up with mates, it delivers without the pretension you sometimes get elsewhere in the city.