While some venues on Wearside have still not been able to reopen their doors due to the required social distancing, others reopened over the summer and were getting back on their feet only to be hit by the tightened local lockdown restrictions. Here’s some of the businesses which are currently closed – and how you can still support some of the independents until they can reopen.
9. The Peacock, Keel Square
The management at one of Sunderland’s oldest pubs announced its closure after rapidly declining footfall caused by coronavirus. Barry Hyde, frontman of The Futureheads, and business partner Dan Donnelly, took over the historic site last October and had big plans for the Grade II-listed building. However, coronavirus has made business incredibly difficult. They said: "We are really sad about this, as you can imagine. The current circumstances aren't manageable and we have to protect the long-term vision we have for the building at large. Not only that but it's soul destroying, when you put every ounce of energy in to something and see it suffer because of things that are essentially out of your control." Photo: JPI Media
10. Ttonic, Vine Place
Last week Ttonic, one of the city centre's longest-running bars, announced it was closing for up to a fortnight as a direct result of the tightened local lockdown measures. Managing director Andrew Golding says the new restrictions have dealt a further blow to an already struggling industry and, with the onus of responsibility on venues to make sure people are adhering to restrictions, it’s difficult for businesses to ensure people are from the same household and even more difficult to implement the necessary check procedures in time for the new laws coming into force. Photo: JPI Media
11. Revolution, Low Row, city centre
Last month, bosses of Revolution Bars have announced the company could go bust after the Government’s new Covid-19 restrictions hit the hospitality sector. The Sunderland city centre venue, in Low Row, remains closed and has yet to reopen following the lifting of lockdown restrictions back in July. Now Revolution Bars, which has opened its venues in Durham and Newcastle, is assessing options for a rescue plan. Photo: JPI Media
12. Hetton Social Club
Hetton Social Club has announced that it will close until further notice as the Government’s new coronavirus restrictions on the North East make it “impossible” to trade. The club made the announcement via its Facebook page, revealing that it will be closed from Tuesday, September 29 – with no reopening date given. It cited the latest round of local restrictions as the reason for the closure, highlighting that it made it “impossible to operate” the pub. Photo: google maps