The Peacock, Sunderland

Having ordered an advance copy of the 2024 Good Beer Guide (released officially today), I knew that the Peacock was new to the Guide and was one of 2 Sunderland pubs in there that I had yet to visit. However, having walked a good 10-15 minutes to get here, I soon found it to be closed due to a "private party". I later found out that this was due to the landlord and landlady getting married. I'll have to try again next time I make it to Sunderland.

A fine example of Edwardian architecture and quite similar looking to the nearby Dun Cow. This pub has a good sized interior, comprising of a good sized bar area, pool room and a front room with original fireplace. The interior decor is modern and is tastefully finished, there is also a large function room along with a stage and bar area on the first floor. Four handpumps on our visit serving Maxim Brewery Double Maxim, Maxim Citra, Wainwright and Doombar.

Official site of The Peacock - pubculture.com

Official site of The Peacock - pubculture.com

Old listed exterior but with a modernised interior although tasteful enough. A few old touches remain including a piano, the decor is arty photos, the furniture mixed leather chairs at wooden tables, again rather tasteful. Five pulls of local beers plus Doom, fairly anodyne keg choice.

I have been to the Peacock a few times when in Sunderland. I vaguely recall it being the Londonderry but did not pay a visit back then. Eight hand pumps at the bar, one of these was clipped as a cider but was semi-rotated so presumably was off. I had a Pear Saison by Tyne Bank at £1.90 for a half. Sharp's Doom Bar and Atlantic also featured but the others were all a bit more interesting. I don't know what it was like before but it is now a nice modern family friendly pub doing food and real ale, and is well worth a visit.