The Avenue, Roker, Sunderland

Backstreet pub in a 70’s building that is surprisingly characterful inside and immaculately clean. Main bar is a single room with modern tiled flooring and brick print wallpaper. Of note are the snazzy coloured banquettes with mirrortop surround and the Brian Clough tribute frame. Jukey, quiz night and pool table feature and there’s also a hireable function room. 60's Big Crooner hits from the speakers befitted the older clientèle. Close to the Stadium of Light and inevitably there are big screen TVs for the football (I counted five) that had some fake (but not unattractive) fauna trimming. GBG 2015 listed, two ales on the go were Durham White and Merrie City Cascadian (decent nick). A good little local.