The Dun Cow — Restaurant in Sunderland

Situated on high Street West this is a pub worthy of a visit, situated opposite the Sunderland Empire and on other side of the street is Church Lane which gives access to the former ancient parish church of St Michael's and All Angels Bishopwearmouth, now elevated to Sunderland Minster. Whilst Dun Cow was built around 1905 and its outer has a style similar to the Empire, it has the beauty of having kept its original decor with a very fine bar, all hand crafted with most of its original glasswork. A real ale pub, it has a zing about the place at night with the Empire patrons often popping in and even some of the stars performing will pop in after strutting their stuff on stage. There ,I'll be time limits on its catering so perhaps ring before your visit. A lot quieter during weekdays it is a good start or finish to a visit to the Minster which is really steeped in not just the history of Sunderland but those who at one time or another held the post of Rectorship of this ancient parish, many of whom became great movers and shakers in the church. Indeed, the first Rector mentioned on its list of Rectors was instrumental in the negotiations for the return of Richard the Lionheart. The site had been a place of worship for centuries before the current building and a couple of early saxon gravestones were found during the major restoration in 1930s. There are a few surprises in the list of the Rectors as well as in the Memorial Tablets. Anyway your whole day would be worth a visit to go around the kirk and polish it off with a visit to the Dun Cow where you would be welcome I am sure. Access to the pub is on ground floor and there are places for street parking although there is a covered multi-story car park on the far side of Bishopwearmouth Green. As for wheelchair access, that is available but it may help if someone accompanies the person as there are very slight rises in and around the Minster which may require a helpful hand. The Minster has a very pleasant coffee bar. You will find the phone number in the...

Canny disappointed with this place. Came highly recommended and to be fair it did have a fair selection of beers and ales. The disappointment came with the atmosphere ... There was none. Unlike other pubs we went in in Sunderland there was no friendliness or welcoming vibe. Just served and sat down. It was fairly busy but just had a bit of a pretentious feel to me, maybe I am judging harshly as other places were really friendly but this is how both my wife and I felt during and after our visit. Wouldn't rush back here.

Ok so went back out in Sunderland last week and wanting to be fair I made sure we visited The Dun Cow again but at a different time. It was just after lunch time and was relatively quiet. Absolutely excellent ales were on and the atmosphere was far more relaxed and friendly despite the bar lad appearing to be alone and quite busy.

Perhaps my first impressions were unfair. If this was was first visit I would have rated as a 5 ⭐ review, so I have increased to a four to average the two...

As a former Veteran who visited on Armistice Day,  with Blazer and Medal showing, it didn't feel very inviting. I was looked at by patrons without a smile, not common in Sunderland, my partner was served a Gin in a standard tall glass, not a problem at all, however, others served immediately after id were served with a Gin glass. None of the staff were wearing Poppy's, the Poppy Collection was stuck behind a sign as shown in pic. The atmosphere wasn't pleasant all. I may be totally mistaken, but my experience has left me rather angry, a beautiful bar, with a historic look thats how why I gave it two stars. Sunderland has a proud military history and the city has done so much with its veterans and those still serving. I would recommend all those still serving and veterans alike visit elsewhere and give it...