The Keel Tavern

4.5 ( 137 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
£10–20
Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3DW, United Kingdom
+44 191 707 0150
The Keel Tavern, nestled in the heart of Keel Square, Sunderland, emerges as a charming bar that brilliantly blends a cozy atmosphere with an inviting menu. Patrons repeatedly rave about the quality of their food and service. Signature dishes, such as the braised ox and the homemade chunky chips, showcase the establishment's commitment to freshly cooked meals that satisfy. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring a variety of ales, wines, and expertly crafted cocktails like the Bramble and Espresso Martini. Customers like Lee Izzard and Angela Lambton commend the knowledgeable bar staff, who are always eager to recommend the perfect beverage, enhancing the overall experience. The ambiance, marked by inventive decor and a warm, spacious layout, invites groups and solo visitors alike, proving ideal for casual meetups. The attentive service, highlighted by Maria Keseroglou’s experience during a holiday party, leaves a lasting impression on guests. From hearty pies with interesting mash options to inventive vegetarian dishes like the tomato soup with grilled cheese toastie, The Keel Tavern caters to diverse tastes. It’s a place that not only celebrates local culture but also stands out as a spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a quiet drink. Each visit promises delightful flavors and further reasons to return.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
    • No takeaway
  • Highlights
    • Has great beer selection
    • Has great wine list
  • Popular for
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves food
    • Serves food at bar
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Paid street parking

Reviews For The Keel Tavern

Lee Izzard
Apr 26,2025
We had a 2 course dinner and was excellent food.. I had the braised ox I believe.. The choice of booze is very good and we had some lovely drinks, the hostess was very polite and friendly and it's a place we will come again when visit the area again
Angela Lambton
Apr 19,2025
Visited with Brother and Boyfriend for belated Xmas drinks. Place is warm, inviting and spacious. Love the decor rather inventive. Bar staff are to be highly praised for their knowledge and professionalism. Quick service, very friendly, chatty and can guide you. Tried a few ales and loved them all, even tried one that was recommended to me. Food is first rate, all freshly cooked and arrive quickly. You need to try the chunky chips old school homemade style. A good selection of veggie food and quite inventive. A wonderful addition is the tomato soup and cheese toastie. Music was at a good level not intrusive so you could easily chat. Toilets were clean and well maintained. Love the toiletries. Would be happy to go in alone. Ideal for meeting up friends, well placed for The Sunderland Empire. Would recommend and definitely return.
Maria Keseroglou
Apr 3,2025
We had our Christmas party there on Saturday, and honestly, the food was excellent. However, what truly impressed me were the staff members. They were extremely friendly, polite, and eager to assist. I will definitely be going back!
Mel Milner
Mar 31,2025
Loved it. Great choice of beers and lagers. Hells and peroni are my personal favourites. Like the way it's been decorated. Really cozy. That end of the Town is really improving. Haven't tried the good yet. Update, had a meal. Moroccan flat bread and pulled pork. Both delicious
Andy Corbett
Mar 28,2025
Pick a pie, pick a mash, pick a veg and pick a liquor (gravy). Initially, we thought we had been given small portions. But it was just the right amount of everything, we cleared all our plates, and we had room for dessert. Great selection of craft and real ales. There's a different menu on Sundays. So when we turned up for our reservation on Monday, one of us had to change their plans (but really enjoyed their pie instead). Forgot to take photos of the food. So that's yet another reason to go back again another time! Updated after second food visit to add photos.
Sean Harte
Mar 19,2025
An unexpected pleasure to find this place. Great beer selection, lovely building layout and decor and an excellent out door area. Staff were friendly and helpful and happy to let us try before we buy (I never do but it's nice that you can). Didn't try the food this time but is on the radar now. Definitely an add to the beer drinking route for Sunderland. Has vibes very reminiscent of the Newcastle Tap.
fat bloke
Mar 14,2025
Popped in for a couple of coffees, nice and relaxed atmosphere. So relaxing we ended up having a meal, both the Ciabatta haddock fish finger with chunky chips and roasted red pepper/hummus wrap with chunky chips were delicious, Ohhh and not forgetting the red/white wine. We were greeted and served by Abby a very pleasant, professional and patient young lady who made our experience perfect. Not only a credit to the Keel Tavern but to the hospitality industry.
Chloe Carr
Feb 17,2025
A lovely experience here. The staff were lovely, looked after our party of 8. Drink selection was nice and food was beautiful and reasonably priced. Will definitely be coming back.

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