A disused beach shelter overlooking Roker beach is set to become the latest addition to Sunderland's nightlife thanks to the entrepreneurs behind the rejuvenated Vaux Brewery.
Michael Thompson and Steve Smith acquired a lease on the Victorian shelter and now plan to turn it into a 100-capacity bar serving beers and food.
Construction work on the Marine Walk building is set to start later this year and the pair plan to open for business in summer 2023. The converted shelter will also gain a nearby storage facility and office.
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The move will mean Vaux - which was relaunched in 2019 as Mr Thompson and Mr Smith acquired the rights to the brand - will have two locations in the city, including the brewery and taproom opened on Monk Street in June last year.
Mr Smith said: “We’ve walked past this shelter for ages and have always felt that it would be the perfect space for us. When the council put it out to tender, we thought it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
“The new space won’t be just a Vaux bar; it will be more of a beachfront bar and kitchen. It’ll be a space to relax in after a long week with good craft beer, good food and good wine. We really see the Roker Shelter as the final piece of the Marine Walk puzzle as it’s been crying out for development for years – we are just thrilled to be the ones to take on the challenge.”
Joseph l’Anson, associate director at Bradley Hall who led on the deal, said: “Letting the empty Roker shelter to Vaux Brewery will make a considerable impact to the hospitality sector in Roker and around Sunderland.
“Being able to work alongside Sunderland City Council in order to make this happen will only encourage further businesses to settle along the seafront to revitalise this part of Sunderland for all to enjoy.”
Two years after Vaux was relaunched, Sunderland TV presenter and architect George Clarke announced he was an investor in the business. Speaking at the time he said he had jumped at the chance to invest and never imagined he would be part of the rebirth of the renowned brand.
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