Inside Sunderland's newest bar Halo after successful opening weekend

Halo opened its doors last weekend after a major refurbishment of the former Bud Bigalows site in Low Row.

Those who visited over the Bank Holiday weekend were able to try out its range of cocktails, spirits and more while DJs got the party started.

From June 3, the bar and kitchen has also started serving food, which includes stonebaked pizzas, burgers, wings, tacos, sharing platters and more – most of which will have a vegan or vegetarian version.

James Sills, general manager, said: “We were really pleased with the response. We were at capacity with Covid regulations and there was a great atmosphere and everyone was happy to be back in pubs.

"The kitchen opened today and that’s had great feedback too.”

Halo is the first phase of the reopening, which will see the upstairs bar at the site open as Craigs’ Sports Bar and Grill in mid-June. Both bars, which without social distancing can hold up to 1,000 people, have created up to 50 jobs in the city.

The bars are building up relationships with neighbouring bars to help create a circuit at that end of the city centre.

James said: “We’ve already build up a good connection with our neighbours, particularly Greens and Victors. Our ethos is all about helping each other so the whole area does well and everyone rises together.”

At the other end of Low Row, work is also forging ahead on transforming the former Revolution site in Victoria Buildings into New York-style sports bar called Streetbar SR1.

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