Poetic License, Sunderland

Not immediately clear whether this is a free-standing bar or part or the Roker Hotel (although the latter appears to be the case). However, it stands as a pub / restaurant on its own merits, and the distinctive, part-covered, split-level front terrace overlooking the beach and piers at the mouth of the River Wear is a fine spot if the weather is clement. The partially opened-out 'T'-shaped interior still retains a feature window but is otherwise thoroughly modernised in a dark craft / alehouse style. Three of five handpumps in operation, all with Sonnet 43 beers, from which selection I went for the Seraphim (£3.20, that tasted fresh, but which was definitely served too warm). Also has an in-house gin distillery.

Official site of Poetic License - poeticlicensebar.co.uk

Official site of Poetic License - poeticlicensebar.co.uk

Large modern bar/kitchen format and a lot of money has been spent in here. Was - until a few weeks ago - called R Bar. Main area is L shaped with exposed brick (the bar name is in white neon here) and a combination of wood and pretty black and white tiled flooring. To rear is what looks like a brew kit though there seemed to be no signs of it being used, barmaid said it will be running soon but will be producing spirits(?). To right is a large separate dining room with wood planked walls. At the front of the building is the star - a large, old style sun room with cracking views over the North Sea coast. Gents were A1, nicest in Sunderland. Eight pumps at the bar with five ales on; four from Sonnet 43 and Marble Ginger 5.1. My Sonnet American was OK but a little warm, clearly the first one out for a good while and I get the feeling the barmaid had little real idea of what she was selling. Lots of keg fonts though not a huge amount out of the ordinary noted. On a sunny day it’s worth the journey out if you can make it away from the superior Harbour View.