The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland

Visited last week on a weekday afternoon. Six hand pumps, all of which were on. The beer menu consisted of Saltaire New World, Saltaire Blonde, Redwillow Sleepless, Hawkshead NZPA, Vocation Heart & Soul, and finally Almasty DDH Simcoe Ekuanot. I went for a half of the Almasty offering which was £1.75 for a half. I was warned it would be hazy and indeed it was - and quite a strange pale colour too. It's a modern feeling bar inside with a mix of seating, nautical themes and a general good vibe. There are various photos dotted around including old ones. A few locals in at the time of my visit. Worth a look for the ale selection.

Looks from a distance like a 70s estate pub named by an estate agent until you notice the picture windows at first-floor level which probably do have a view of the harbour. Mind you, once inside, the irregularly-shaped ground floor bar has been decorated in a modern alehouse style. There is also a small front patio, but that's a bit more 'Traffic View' as the Coast Road vehicles thunder past. Six interesting real ales in a variety of styles available on handpump, from which the Arbor Blue Sky Thinking (£2.92) served very well.