Best Pubs in Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay's pub scene has been transformed over the past decade. Where the town was once known mainly for its late-night bars, it now boasts a genuinely interesting mix of micropubs, craft beer spots, seafront bars, and traditional locals. Whether you are after a quiet pint of real ale, a creative cocktail with a sea view, or a lively Friday night out, there is something here for you.

Here is our guide to the best pubs in Whitley Bay.

The Dog and Rabbit

The Dog and Rabbit on Park View is a micropub that has become one of the most popular drinking spots in town since opening. The space is small and intimate, with a rotating selection of craft beers, real ales, and ciders served straight from the cask or keg. There are no screens, no loud music, and no pretension -- just good beer and good conversation. The staff are knowledgeable about the beer list and happy to offer tasters. If you appreciate well-kept craft beer in a relaxed setting, this is the place.

Best for: Micropub, rotating craft beers and real ales, relaxed atmosphere, Park View.

Rustic Cup

Rustic Cup on Park View leads a double life. During the day it operates as a laid-back cafe serving specialty coffee, cakes, and light lunches. Come evening, it transforms into a craft bar with an impressive selection of beers, natural wines, and cocktails. The interior is cosy and eclectic, with mismatched furniture and a warm atmosphere that makes it hard to leave. It is a genuinely unique spot on the Whitley Bay scene and a great option if you want something a little different from a traditional pub.

Best for: Cafe by day, craft bar by evening, specialty coffee and natural wines, cosy interiors.

The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk occupies a prime position on the seafront with views across the bay that are hard to beat on a sunny day. The terrace is the main draw in summer, but the interior is comfortable year-round. The drinks list covers cocktails, draft beers, wines, and spirits, and there is a food menu of burgers, sharing plates, and pub classics. It gets busy on warm weekends, so arriving early to secure an outside table is recommended.

Best for: Seafront terrace, coastal views, cocktails and draft beer, buzzing in summer.

The Blyth and Tyne

A welcoming local on Marine Avenue, the Blyth and Tyne offers a straightforward selection of cask ales, lagers, and spirits in a friendly, unpretentious setting. It is the kind of pub where regulars prop up the bar and newcomers feel welcome within minutes. Quiz nights, live music, and sports screenings keep the events calendar ticking over. The beer garden catches the afternoon sun, making it a good option when you want to escape the busier seafront spots.

Best for: Traditional local, cask ales, quiz nights, beer garden.

The Roxburgh

The Roxburgh on Roxburgh Terrace is a proper community pub that has built a loyal following for its friendly atmosphere, well-kept ales, and regular live music nights. The pub hosts acoustic sessions and open mic evenings throughout the month, giving it a distinctly sociable character. Food is available at lunchtimes, and the Sunday roast is popular with locals. It is a short walk from the seafront and a good alternative to the busier Park View strip.

Best for: Community pub, live music and open mic, Sunday roasts, friendly atmosphere.

The Whitley Bay Hotel

A large, traditional pub on East Parade overlooking the sea, the Whitley Bay Hotel has been a fixture of the town for generations. It offers a broad range of beers, spirits, and wines, along with a food menu covering pub classics. The upstairs function room hosts events and live music, and the pub screens major sporting fixtures. It is not the most fashionable spot in town, but it is reliable, spacious, and has one of the best locations of any pub on the coast.

Best for: Traditional seafront pub, live sport, function room, classic and reliable.

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Know a Whitley Bay pub we should include? Get in touch via our contact page and we will keep this guide updated.

See also our guides to the best restaurants in Whitley Bay and the best cafes in Whitley Bay.