Echo readers say 'cheers' to plans for new Sunderland bar and brewery under legendary Vaux name

Echo readers have welcomed moves to revive one of Sunderland’s most historic brewing names.
By Kevin Clark
Published 17th Mar 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 18th Mar 2020, 08:46 BST
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School friends Matthew Jackson, Ross Palmer, Michael Thompson and Steven Smith have been searching for suitable premises since resurrecting the legendary Vaux name after a 20-year absence.

Now they hope to have a brewery of their own, complete with adjoining bar Vaux Brewery in Monk Street, off Roker Avenue, Sunderland, by June.

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The original Vaux Breweries closed in 1999, with the loss of around 700 jobs, and the new firm has brewed a handful of original beers with help from both Sunderland brewing expert Brewlab and Durham Brewery.

Steve Smith delivers the first of the Vaux beers to the Old Fire Station in High Street WestSteve Smith delivers the first of the Vaux beers to the Old Fire Station in High Street West
Steve Smith delivers the first of the Vaux beers to the Old Fire Station in High Street West

Managing director Steven Smith is hoping the new venue will prove popular with Black Cats fans heading to the Stadium of Light just minutes away.

The plans are currently under consideration by Sunderland City Council with Mr Smith hoping that the brewery can open in April with the tap room following in June.

Most readers on the Echo’s Facebook page were enthusiastic.

Veronica McGee said: “Good luck with your new venture. I worked for Vaux Breweries at Swallow Hotels for 10 years, best years of my life,” while Tracey Atherton said: “Please keep the name going ... I can still remember the excitement when in the 80s someone gave me one of the Vaux pin badges.”

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Edward Alan Dixon wrote: “Be very proud of yourselves. Bringing an iconic name back to life,” while Martin Nixon added: “You should invite former workers along for the opening.

“Also would be great to see the Vaux dray horse outside for opening.”

Garry Elliott wished the team his best: “Great stuff guys. Conjures up so many memories. I am sure you will have a great a journey with Vaux,” and Jeanette Mackintosh added: “Really good luck lads.”

But Tony Ratton was remaining loyal to the Maxim brewery set up by Vaux employees after the brewery closed and said the new venture was ‘just a poor imitation of the real Vaux.’

“I'll stick to the real thing Double Maxim, Samson, Lambtons, Wards, Sunderland draught etc from the excellent Maxim Brewery,” he added.

Related topics:SunderlandMichael Thompson