About This Pub
Ah, the Fat Ox – it's one of those cosy pubs in Whitley Bay that you stumble upon and end up making your go-to spot. I love how the drinks are so reasonably priced; you can kick back with a pint or two without it costing a fortune, and they've always got live music or sports on, which adds a real buzz to the evening. The staff and the crowd are dead welcoming, giving it that genuine community feel where you chat away like old mates. Plus, being dog-friendly is a nice touch if you're out with your pet. On the flip side, though, service isn't always spot-on – sometimes regulars seem to get priority, which can be a bit frustrating if you're in a rush. And I've heard a few grumbles about vaping inside, which might not sit well if you're after a fresh-air vibe. All in all, it's a solid choice for a relaxed pint and a laugh, but it's worth going in with realistic expectations to enjoy the best bits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff and locals are incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in
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Drinks are super affordable – it's easy to enjoy a few pints without worrying about the wallet
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They've got live music and sports screenings, which really liven up the place and make for a great night out
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It's dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged mate along for the fun
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The community vibe is spot on, with a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a proper local hangout
Cons
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Service can be a bit inconsistent at times, like when regulars get served first, which might leave you waiting
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Some folks have mentioned vaping inside, which isn't ideal and could spoil the experience for non-smokers
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It has a traditional, older-style feel that might not appeal to everyone looking for something more modern
Contact Information
278 Whitley Rd, Whitley Bay NE26 2TG
+441212725499
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Just happened to walk by and saw the band setting up and went in and stayed for the rest of the night. Good priced beer and the people in the pub were so friendly. If we are in the area again we Will definitely go in again.
Lovely atmosphere dogs made very welcome, the only set back is sometimes depending on the staff, you seem to be served after the regulars no matter who was next, I did get an apology after walking out, but it didn't stop me from returning, as my experience here was more great then one frustrating experience.
Got recommended to come here tried it out loved it brilliant landlady and landlord great friendly staff brilliant atmosphere with the locals great shirts and banners etc on walls and ceilings and hopefully when I comeback there gonna put my wolves shirt up there lol you promised,say hello to the villa fan (Linda) see u all soon folks
Found this pub on a weekend away trip, popped in for a pint, good lager & selection of other drinks, good traditional boozer with mod cons, very cheap drink, (2 pints for less than £6), bar staff very attentive & full of information.
Went back on Saturday nt, and it had live music on, pub was busy, band were excellent, played old & new rock hits, atmosphere was great.
Will definitely visit again if I'm down the way.
Typical "older man" pub, pretty nice and bright on the inside. Drinks are very reasonably priced, people are friendly and enjoying their conversations (attended during the daytimes).
The only issue with the pub is that they allow Vaping inside. The barman was vaping as well as a patron next to us, which we didn't like as we don't smoke. Very off putting to be honest. And felt since the bar man was vaping, we couldn't ask the person next to us to stop so we left.
They either need to have signs up saying vaping is allowed indoors or it's banned (which in all honesty, I thought was law not to smoke indoors).
Would visit again if smoking wasn't happening inside.
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