Many in the North East will have chosen to stay home during ever changing weather in recent weeks, putting their social lives on the back burner to avoid braving the wind, rain and snow.
For those of us who love a trip to a boozer - be that chewing the fat with regulars at your local or venturing around to sample hospitality at the region's inns, bars and alehouses you might like to see what's on offer in the North East - and how venues ranked with customers before you try them out yourself.
Here at Chronicle Live, we've compiled a list of the region's top ten pubs according to ever-reliable Google reviewers - so you can find somewhere new and exciting to hang up your hat.
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East
From the hustle and bustle of Newcastle City Centre, to the remote serenity of Northumberland and County Durham - there's a little something for all pub goers across the North East in this list so why not try one out?
For the record, today we're specifically looking at pubs and bars, so restaurants aren't included. If you're interested in finding out the best eateries in your local area, why not check out our list, here.
Without further ado, here are the top ten pubs across the region.
1. The Station House - 4.8 stars out of 5
Station House, North Rd, Durham, DH1 4SE
An award winning real ale and real cider pub, the Station House on North Road in Durham takes the poll position as the best pub in the North East, according to Google reviewers.
The establishment also took home the coveted City Pub of the Year 2022 award for Durham, presented by the Campaign for Real Ale, earlier this month.
With a constantly changing variety of guest ales and ciders on tap for thirsty punters to make the most of, the Station House has become a County Durham staple - leaving customers from far and wide travelling to sample their newest stock on a daily basis.
One travelling reviewer, wrote: "Fantastic pub with three real ciders.
"No rubbish here, all top notch stuff, expertly curated.
"Good service and atmosphere.
"Only negative, about 230 miles from home, but I enjoyed my visit."
2. Full Circle Brewing Co - 4.8 stars out of 5
Hoults Yard, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2HL
Serving four cask and 16 keg beers, ales and ciders, to customers in the free to enter glass-front taproom inside its brewery, Full Circle have most recently became the talk of Byker.
Thanks to their £10 pizza and pint deals which take place every Thursday and Sunday, as well as freshly brewed beers on site, they have well and truly made their presence known in the North East over the last couple of years.
They're dog friendly too, so furry friends can accompany owners on their socials.
Paul Simon, wrote: "What a great place, tap room overlooking the brewery and selling fresh beer and an enormous pizza oven here also. Food & beer perfect."
3. The Snooks - 4.8 stars out of 5
Front St, Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4JB
A snooker club and sports bar situated in the heart of Great Lumley, The Snooks accommodate guests like no other in the local vicinity.
With full Sky & BT sports on eight screens across the establishment, sports fans never miss a moment while enjoying a quiet night with friends.
For those who are a dab hand at sports themselves, there are a range of pool and snooker tables also inside the sports bar, where friends old and new can show off their skills.
Live entertainment is often laid on creating a wonderful atmosphere to soak up.
One impressed customer, commented: "Lovely wee place to relax with a drink and have a game of pool.
"Great staff, friendly and welcoming."
4. Free Trade Inn - 4.7 stars out of 5
12 St Lawrence Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AP
The Free Trade Inn is one of Newcastle's oldest and most beloved real and craft ale pubs. Constantly serving up a variety of new and exciting guest and house drinks, you'll struggle to find anywhere else nearby who can offer you more.
The public house amassed various prestigious accolades from CAMRA in the last decade, including Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year.
They also host a cracking view of the Toon, markedly awe inspiring as the sun sets.
One reviewer said: "Quality beers and the window offers fantastic views of the Tyne and town.".
5. The Beehive Inn - 4.7 stars out of 5
Hartley Ln, Whitley Bay, NE25 0SZ
Combining traditional ale brands, multi-award winning chefs and modern thinking, Whitley Bay's Beehive Inn is one of the most well rounded boozers in the region.
In view of St. Mary's Island and the golden Longsands of Whitley Bay, The Beehive is equally as perfect for a quick after-work pint as it is a sunny Sunday with friends and family.
It sits in a Grade II listed building which was constructed in the 18th Century - and despite recent refurbishment, it still maintains its character and charm from days passed.
The Beehive also makes a cracking Sunday roast, which visitors come back to sample time and time again.
One reviewer, commented: "Great food, dog friendly, attentive staff, cosy atmosphere."
6. The Quay Taphouse - 4.7 stars out of 5
50 Bell St, North Shields, NE30 1HF
With an abundance of outdoor seating combined with a fine selection of beers and wines, spirits and local real ales, the Quay Taphouse in North Shields brings something a little different to the area.
Situated on the ever busy Fish Quay, the establishment has a constant buzz about it and has became a North Shields establishment in recent years.
One reviewer, wrote: "Great atmosphere, friendly staff and the food looked fab - give it a go."
7. The Feathers Inn - 4.7 stars out of 5
Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7SW
The epitome of a typical, old-school tavern is the Feathers Inn, Stocksfield.
A magnificent stone alehouse situated in the Great British countryside, this hidden gem regularly attracts visiting parties due to its exceptional reputation for both food and drink.
Multi-award winning, the gastropub took home the Good Pub Guide's Northumbria Dining Pub of the Year twelve years consecutively, from 2008 through until 2020.
Local reviewer, Marvin Broomfield, wrote: "Lovely village setting, with lots of outdoor space and tables inside.
"Good range of fresh local produce always on the menu. Wine list available, price range £15 to £90."
8. The Black Bull - 4.7 stars out of 5
2 Mulgrave Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1PQ
The Black Bull in Gateshead is know predominately for its music gigs - putting on at least one show every week.
Visitors can expect a wide selection of beers and ales for dirt cheap prices, and a loud but entertaining atmosphere at the pub itself.
And although the usual clientele is predominantly that of those from the punk scene, all are welcome with open arms in a very friendly establishment.
One reviewer, wrote: "Went for a gig and the first time I had been but won't be the last.
"Great bar, cracking selection of beers, and the gig room, although small, has a great atmosphere about it. Its a punks pub and the gigs are mostly punk but it's a nice pub for anyone to pop in."
9. The Grey Horse - 4.7 stars out of 5
115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, DH8 6NE
Dating back over 150 years, the Grey Horse is not only the oldest pub in Consett, but is also one of the oldest public houses in the region.
Originally named as the Target Inn, the traditional boozer prides itself on offering a warm welcome and hospitality to all.
Quality ales and spirits can be found at the beloved taphouse, with two slow-burning fires to keep punters warm on those chilly winter evenings.
Hands down, the Grey Horse offers a traditional experience which is rarely seen in newer pubs.
One recent punter, wrote: "Super selection of real ale and reasonably priced.
"No music, no TV, just peace and quiet to enjoy great beer.
"Red dust is magic!"
10. Ye Olde Cross - 4.7 stars out of 5
Barmoor Ln, Ryton Village, Ryton, NE40 3QP
Renowned regionally for it's astounding sense of community, Ye Olde Cross has became a popular go-to for villagers of Ryton.
A family run pub located in the heart of Ryton Old Village, the establishment itself is known for its ever-changing guest ales and draught beers.
One reviewer, wrote: "Absolutely amazing pub, what a gem to have in Ryton offering a truly unique sense of community.
"The drinks offer is outstanding, with many ales being updated to freshen selections, quite often (mainly over the weekend) there's a street food outlet in the outdoor section, which is lovely when you've had a few beers!
"Overall 10/10."
