Combining newcomers and more established names – and with apologies to any absent friends – here are just 10 worthy of a visit throughout the region.
5. Hop Knocker, Durham City
Cozy independent bottle shop and tap room in the Gilesgate area of the city. Tucked away in the middle of a lengthy terrace, the Hop Knocker is about 25 minutes walk from the centre of Durham and on the 20 Sunderland bus route. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI Media
6. The Lighthouse, Sunderland
Sunderland's first micro pub opened in December 2019 on the site of a former coffee shop and can host around 20 customers. Maxim Brewery favourites Double Maxim and Samson are among the beers to give it a true Mackem flavour. | JPIMedia Photo: Tim Richardson
7. Old Toms Gin Bar, Durham City
The former flower shop on the edge of the city centre's Riverwalk development opened in late 2017 and stocks around 250 gins, rums, specialist wines and whiskies. Its medieval beams are crammed with historic and quirky trinkets to keep the chat flowing. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Norton
8. Rat Race, Hartlepool Train Station
Still going strong after opening in Hartlepool Train Station in 2009, Peter Morgan's micro pub has proved an inspiration for similar ventures further afield and has stocked more than 1,750 beers from 490 breweries. | JPIMedia Photo: FRANK REID