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 experiences.

It's been a long time since I had been here. Absolutely amazing food, Best fish and chips I have had in a long time. Wonderful polite staff and the place is emaculate. Will definitely be returning with my wife. Would definitely recommend this place.

Visited with my Brother and Boyfriend. On my Boyfriend's recommendation. Such a wonderful, fascinating pub with a lot of original and historical features which was fascinating. It's small but perfectly formed (a bit like myself haha) the staff are super friendly and chatty. Very quick and professional service. Good choice of ales and other drinks. Fantastic for pre theatre drinks as it's only a few steps away from the Sunderland Empire. It can get quite busy but you don't wait long. Prices are very reasonable. Toilets are small but clean and well maintained. Would recommend.

Fantastic style of pub, unchanged decor in a long time. Great selection of beers and lagers on Draft and Cask. Food wasn't as great as I expected but still very nice, maybe slightly overpriced. Great, friendly bar service though. Calm, chilled atmosphere inside.

Proper pub, well kept beers. Really nice pint of Theakstones hand pulled best bitter. The detailed bar is a must see. Made when people were proud of their craft.

Just had the most delicious Sunday lunch at The Dun Cow, food was really tasty, beautifully cooked and plentiful. The puds were so good too, and a wide range of ales and other drinks to choose from. Friendly bar staff and a beautiful bar to admire while you sit! Will definitely be returning ☺️👍

Only my second ever visit. Casta found it in his 2023 CAMRA Good Beer Guide. In said guide not just for beer but because this Grade 2 listed building beside the famous Sunderland Empire Theatre has a pub decor of significant historical heritage..in other words "bloody lovely". On a rubbish August evening of damp grey skies this lit up the evening. Great selection of real ale. Casta chose an " off the wall" beer...a blue raspberry and coconut milkshake pale ale! From Play Brew breeery. Different but would not have another.

Very good old style bar. Still has all the ornate woodwork and stained glass in place from long ago. It's a bit like a reverse Tardis, looks big from the outside but not so big inside. Worth visiting just to view the inside.