Twenty-nine pubs in the North East have been named among the best in the UK in The Telegraph's 2026 guide to the top 650 pubs. The list, expanded from 500 last year, features establishments from Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham, including several newcomers.
Criteria and Judging
The Telegraph's panel of six experts evaluated each pub based on charming character, welcoming staff, rich history, and award-winning beer. All 650 listed pubs have been tried and tested, with the newspaper confident they represent the best the country has to offer.
Newcomers to the List
New additions from the North East include The Bodega in Newcastle and The Dipton Mill Inn in Hexham. These join a strong contingent of regional pubs that have been recognised for their quality.
Full List of North East Pubs
Tyne and Wear
- The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle
- The Crown Posada, Newcastle
- The Central Bar, Gateshead
- The Dun Cow, Sunderland
- Museum Vaults, Sunderland
- The Tyne Bar, Newcastle
- The County, Gosforth
- The Steamboat, South Shields
- The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
- Tynemouth Lodge Hotel
- The Ship Isis, Sunderland
- The Beehive, Whitley Bay
- Ye Olde Cross Inn, Ryton Village
- The Jolly Sailor, Whitburn
- The Bodega, Newcastle
Northumberland
- The Ship Inn, Alnwick
- The Free Trade Inn, Berwick
- The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses
- The John Bull Inn, Alnwick
- The Deleval Arms
- The Dipton Mill Inn, Hexham
County Durham
- The Grey Horse, Consett
- Colpitts Hotel, Durham
- The Victoria Inn, Durham
- Ye Old Elm Tree, Durham
- The Pot and Glass, Stockton
- The Sun Inn, Stockton
- The Frog & Ferret, Spennymoor
- The Butchers Arms, Chester-le-Street
According to Simon Duke, What's On Editor at ChronicleLive, the North East is spoilt for choice with excellent pubs, from coastal spots to city centre bars and traditional country inns. The region's strong showing in the national rankings reflects its vibrant pub culture.
