Mill Dam Conservation Area
The Mill Dam Conservation Area in South Shields can be found to the west of the Town Centre next to the River Tyne. Referring to the map, it covers an area just south of the Station Road Roundabout, south down the cobbled street Mill Dam, then west to the Riverside. A more detained plan be found on the South Tyneside Character Appraisal Document ( page 2) ( All external links are given at the bottom of the article.). The most prominent building is The Customs House but there are three pubs and a club to consider.
The Riverview Pub and Kitchen (above) is the first you come to on entering Mill Dam itself. This used to be called The Riverside and was the Sunderland & South Tyneside Branch Pub of the Year from 1999 to 2001, and again in 2003. The pub no longer serves real ale ( Jan 2024)
Formerly Mill Dam Pub, this is now the Log Fire Pizza Co, is a very short walk down the cobbled street. Originally The Brighton Beach, then the Railway Inn, then The Waterfront . It reopened Summer 2924.The pub is included in the South Tyneside Council local listing of significant heritage assets.
The Steamboat (above) is next door to the Mill Dam and is a Grade II listed building.
Its entry shows it as 27 Mill Dam on the Historic England website ( see below) The pub has won many CAMRA awards over the years; namely –
CAMRA 50 Gold Award ( only one in the North East Branch Pub of the Year 2008-2011 and 2015- 2018 Branch Pub of the Year Runner Up 2022-2024 North East Regional Pub of the Year 2015 & 2016 Branch Community Pub 2022 Society of Preservation of Beers from the Wood 2023
Flying Angel Cellar Club (above). is just down from the Steamboat. This private club is inside the Mission to Seafarers. There is no bar as such but bottles and cans are available .
More Information :-
Mill Dam Conservation Area HERE
Mill Dam Pub – South Tyneside Local List HERE
Mill Dam Pub – South Shields Local History Group HERE
Steamboat :- Historic England Listing HERE
South Shields Real Ale Trail, incorporating heritage pubs. HERE
Compiled by Ken Paul, who took the photographs April 2024