Best Sunday Roasts in Whitley Bay

There are few things more satisfying than a proper Sunday roast -- crispy potatoes, thick gravy, a towering Yorkshire pudding, and meat cooked just right. Whitley Bay has no shortage of places willing to oblige, from traditional pubs with real ales to polished restaurants overlooking the sea. Whether you are after a relaxed family lunch or something a bit more special, these are the places worth booking a table.

1910 at Spanish City

1910 Steak and Seafood serves its Sunday lunch beneath the restored dome of the Spanish City building, making it one of the most striking dining rooms in the North East. The three-course set menu features roast sirloin cooked pink with beef dripping roasties, cauliflower cheese, roast carrots, and a generously tall Yorkshire pudding. The seafood starters and desserts are equally impressive. It is not cheap, but for a special occasion it is hard to beat the combination of food, setting, and sea views. Book ahead -- tables fill quickly at weekends.

Best for: Fine dining Sunday lunch in the Spanish City dome, three-course set menu, booking essential.

The Beehive, Earsdon

The Beehive is a Grade II listed former coaching inn on Hartley Lane in Earsdon, a short drive from the seafront. It has built a formidable reputation for its Sunday lunch, to the point where booking well in advance is effectively mandatory. The kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients and the menu changes regularly, with roast options typically including beef, chicken, and a vegetarian alternative. The setting is charming -- think flagstone floors, low ceilings, and a proper pub atmosphere. The bar stocks a decent selection of real ales too.

Best for: Grade II listed coaching inn, hugely popular Sunday lunch, book well ahead.

Victoria and Albert Inn

The Victoria and Albert is an independent, family-run gastropub dating back to 1839, located in Seaton Delaval just north of Whitley Bay. The Sunday roasts are served with creamy mash, swede, crispy roasties, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, broccoli, and what the pub describes as "lashings of proper tasty gravy." All ingredients are sourced locally and prepared fresh on the premises. There are vegetarian and vegan options available too. The secluded beer garden is a bonus in warmer months. Booking is strongly recommended.

Best for: Family-run gastropub since 1839, locally sourced ingredients, vegan options available.

Briar Dene

The Briar Dene sits right on the seafront at the northern end of the promenade, within walking distance of St Mary's Lighthouse. It is a spacious, family-friendly pub with a dining room, casual bar area, and an outside terrace overlooking the coast. The Sunday menu covers traditional roasts alongside a broader selection of pub classics, so there is something for everyone in the group. It is a Fitzgerald's pub, so expect reliable quality and generous portions. Dog walkers and families with children are well catered for.

Best for: Seafront location near St Mary's Lighthouse, family and dog friendly, outdoor terrace.

Al Bear

Al Bear on Park View is better known for its pizzas and bottomless brunch, but its Sunday lunch menu has quietly earned a loyal following. The offering tends to change, and the kitchen has been known to put its own twist on the traditional format -- expect well-executed plates with a more contemporary edge. Vegetarian options are available. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, and the drinks list runs to cocktails, craft beers, and a decent wine selection. It is a solid choice if you want a Sunday lunch that breaks from the formula without abandoning it entirely.

Best for: Contemporary take on Sunday lunch, Park View location, cocktails and craft beers.

Crab and Waltzer

Crab and Waltzer on Marine Avenue is primarily a seafood and burger restaurant, but it opens for Sunday lunch with a menu that leans into its coastal setting. The quirky interior -- repurposed fairground waltzer cars serve as seating booths -- makes it a memorable spot for a family meal. The roast offerings sit alongside the regular menu, so those who are not in the mood for a traditional roast can opt for fish or burgers instead. Views across the bay are excellent from the upstairs tables.

Best for: Quirky waltzer-car seating, seafood alongside roasts, great sea views.

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Have we missed your favourite spot for a Sunday roast in Whitley Bay? 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 pubs in Whitley Bay.