The Jolly Sailor, a historic pub in South Shields, South Tyneside, dates back to the early 18th century. Originally built to serve sailors and dockworkers, the establishment has witnessed centuries of maritime history and tragedy. The pub’s proximity to the River Tyne and its bustling port made it a popular haunt for seafarers, many of whom never returned from treacherous voyages.

Over the years, numerous ghostly encounters have been reported at The Jolly Sailor. Staff and patrons have described seeing the apparition of a sailor in old-fashioned attire, believed to be a regular who drowned in the nearby river. This spirit is said to materialize near the bar, sometimes attempting to engage in conversation before vanishing.

Another frequently reported phenomenon is the sound of heavy footsteps on the upper floor when the area is empty. Some attribute these to the ghost of a former landlord who died on the premises in the early 1900s.

In the cellar, employees have experienced sudden cold spots and the sensation of being watched. Objects have reportedly moved on their own, and the distinct smell of pipe tobacco often lingers despite smoking being prohibited.

During a particularly memorable incident in the 1980s, a group of customers claimed to witness glasses sliding across tables and smashing on the floor without any apparent cause. This event coincided with the anniversary of a tragic shipwreck that claimed the lives of several local sailors.

The Jolly Sailor’s haunted reputation has made it a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and historians alike, drawing visitors keen to experience its spectral atmosphere firsthand.