Guinness rates North East bar as one of the UK's best for a St Patrick's Day pint

With just days to go before St Patrick's Day, which is set to turn the city into a sea of green and mass of bobbing Guinness hats, a round-up of top pubs in the UK to enjoy a celebratory pint brings us even more reason to celebrate.

Makers of the Irish stout that is almost synonymous with the day dedicated to Ireland's patron saint has announced its list of the top 10 pubs across the UK where you can enjoy a perfect pint on St Patrick's Day - March 17 - and beyond. And among them is one in the North East.

It's not in Newcastle but it's just a Metro ride away: Al Bear Bar & Kitchen in Whitley Bay is singled out by Guinness. Its fans clearly agree as when it opened in the coastal town in 2021 it fast became a hit with locals.

Guinness says of it: "Located in the heart of Whitley Bay, Al Bear is a popular destination where guests can enjoy great food alongside their pint of Guinness." It is the only North East venue to feature in its top 10 pick which spans the country.

Here are the company's top spots for seeking out a pint to toast the Emerald Isle.

The Guinness list of 10 pubs for a perfect pint of Guinness

The Banbury Cross -Banbury, Oxfordshire

Mulligans - Manchester

The Devonshire - Soho, London

The Railway Hotel - Stirlingshire

The New Albany Pub - Coventry

The Black Horse - Whitechapel, London

The Dog & Partridge - Sheffield

The Al Bear - Whitley Bay

The Bulls Head - Loughborough

Kitty O’Hanlons - Plymouth