Inside new Vaux Social venue as it honours Sunderland's heritage with retro adverts, matches and more

There’s pints, pickled eggs and proper Sunderland heritage vibes at the city’s newest venue.

Vaux Social has seen a transformation of the former Vaux brewery and taproom in Roker Retail Park into a new venue for the city, with a bar, bottle shop and events space.

The reborn Vaux brand opened its brewery in Monk Street back in 2020 in a unit once used by another Sunderland legend as Sir Bob Murray ran his kitchen business, where he made his fortune, from the site.

As demand for their brews grew, they moved to larger brewery premises in Charles Street, St Peter’s, 18 months ago - leaving the original unit and taproom empty.

Vaux sales manager Kris Forster saw the potential to bring something new to the city with the space - and Vaux Social was born.

Drawing inspiration from Sunderland’s workingmen’s clubs and the history of Vaux, it features reclaimed seating from places such as the Poppy Bar at Sunderland Legion Club, as well as adverts and paraphernalia from the original Vaux, which closed in 1999, and retro SAFC games on the projector.

Snacks, of course, include the WMC staples of pickled eggs and peanuts.

“The idea came from places I’ve been to in Manchester and Leeds who have a similar concept and do it really well,” said Kris. “And I felt like Sunderland was crying out for a new venue and something a bit different.

“We’re near to the Stadium of Light here and I really wanted to champion the history and heritage of Sunderland and Vaux.”

The new configuration has doubled the capacity, with a new bar in the old cold store space with 16 keg taps.

It will always feature the Vaux core range of Wise Men Say, Freddy’s Drop, A Hazy Shade of Citra, Black Wave and Sunderland Brown Ale, as well as guest beers on rotation, with prices starting at £5 a pint.

You can also order spirits and wines, with a can and bottle shop also on site.

“People had been coming to the new brewery for take out cans, but we just don’t have the space for a taproom at the new site,” added Kris. “But wanted a place where we could still showcase all Vaux beers for sit in or take out.”

Vaux Social had its soft launch at the weekend and Kris says it’s going down well.

“People are loving that nostalgic feel,” he said.

The new venue is a versatile space with its own DJ booth and plans for bingo nights and quizzes.

There’s also outdoor seating with space for food traders, including Weird Dough pizza on match days.

*Currently Vaux Social, Monk Street, Roker, is open every Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 11pm as well as for all Sunderland home games. However, more hours may be added in the future.