Former Sunderland Revolution pub to become New York-style sports bar

The former Revolution will become a sports bar

Once one of the city centre’s most popular pubs, Revolution in Low Row didn’t reopen after the first lockdown in March 2020.

Now, work has begun in transforming the historic Victoria Buildings into a sports bar, which will be called Streetbar, under new ownership.

Inspired by New York-style sports bars, it will be the first sports bar at this end of the city centre to open since Corner Flag closed.

After more than a decade in the city centre, bosses at national chain Revolution took the decision to permanently close the bar last autumn.

The Sunderland branch was one in a series of closures which took place in a bid to save the company while Revolution bars in Newcastle and Durham were unaffected by the rescue plans.

A final goodbye was posted on Sunderland Revolution’s Facebook page at the time, saying: “As you may have already seen, we have made the difficult decision to keep our doors permanently closed.

“This decision hasn’t been made lightly, and whilst we would love to keep the party going the effects of the pandemic have meant that it’s not possible.

"It’s now officially time for us to say goodbye to our beloved Sunderland. We’re going to miss our amazing team who have helped make our time here so memorable. You’re all so special to us. Cheers to you all.”

A video has been released on the new bar’s Facebook page of builders completely renovating the site, one of the largest pubs in the city, which spans two floors, as well as roof terrace.

The bar lies in the heart of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme. In 2018 Sunderland City Council was awarded £1.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake a Townscape Heritage Scheme within the Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area with works taking place until August 2023.

It’s seen massive improvements in the area, including the creation of the new Minster Park and improvement works to pubs including The Dun Cow, The Peacock and The Rabbit in High Street West.

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