They’re two icons of Sunderland food & drink - and now they’ve united for a limited edition brew.

Vaux Brewery and the humble pink slice are synonymous with Sunderland.

Vaux have produced a Pink Slice ale, in collaboration Vaux sales manager Kris Forster, North Pier Brew Co's Josh Atkinson and Muller Bakery's Charlie Muller. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Vaux have produced a Pink Slice ale, in collaboration Vaux sales manager Kris Forster, North Pier Brew Co's Josh Atkinson and Muller Bakery's Charlie Muller. | Sunderland Echo

Now, the independent brewery and the biscuit / cake hybrid have been united in one ale, available from today, May 21, at the usual Vaux suppliers, on draught and cans, and on its online shop.

The raspberry ale has been a collaboration with Vaux, city bakery Müller and North Pier Brew Co.

Josh Atkinson from micro brewery North Pier, based at the Queen Vic in Roker, came up with the idea of a pink slice beer five years ago.

“I came up with the idea because it’s such an iconic Sunderland flavour,” said the city brewer. “Once I stopped brewing it, I get asked almost every other week about whether I’m doing it again, but I’ve just been too busy with other trade orders.

“So when Vaux approached me about collaborating with them and Müller, two big Sunderland names, it was perfect.”

The new release even has a pink hue | Sunderland Echo

Pink Slice ale has a classic golden ale base with hibiscus added in the brewing process. Raspberries and raspberry puree is then added to give it a refreshing tartness.

Charlie Müller is a third generation baker for Müller who have shops in Villette Road and Sea Road, where pink slices are by far their biggest sellers.

“I’ve known the Vaux name since I was a kid, so it’s great to be working with them,” he said. “I wasn’t sure how they would incorporate the pink slice flavour. I’m actually not a big drinker myself, but it’s really well balanced and not too sweet.

“I also think the design of the can is mint, they’ve done a great job.”

Kris says it's the perfect summer beer | Sunderland Echo

Kris Forster, sales manager at Vaux, said: “We wanted to do something that celebrated local Sunderland businesses and the relationships we’ve built with each other.

“And when we started talking about ideas, we kept coming back to the Pink Slice — because realistically, what’s more Sunderland than that?

“What made it really easy is that we’re all based within about a two-mile radius of each other and already work closely together. We’ve all supported each other over the years, so it felt like a really natural collaboration and a great opportunity to create something fun together.”

Speaking about the flavour profile, Kris said: “It’s bold pink in colour and packed with raspberries, giving it big jammy, tart flavours, balanced out with a biscuit-like malt base to mirror the cake - the perfect summer beer.”

Vaux has also produced a special Big Weekend session ale, available this weekend at the festival.