The Cottage Tavern in South Shields

Ah, The Cottage Tavern – it's one of those pubs that can really hit the spot if you're after a relaxed evening with friends or a bit of live entertainment. From the chats I've had, the staff are just lovely, always up for a chat and making sure everything runs smoothly, which adds to that homely vibe. The place does events brilliantly too; imagine catching a fabulous live set that gets everyone clapping along – it's moments like that which make it stand out. On the flip side, though, it seems the new landlord hasn't quite gelled with everyone yet, with some mentioning a lack of warmth that takes the edge off what used to be a welcoming haunt. And let's not forget the odd complaint about the quiz nights not being as fair as they'd like, which is a pity because it could be a real highlight. All in all, if you're in Sunderland and fancy a pint, I'd say give it a go – the good bits outweigh the niggles, but it's worth keeping in mind that it's not perfect, just like any local spot.