See inside one of Sunderland's oldest pubs which has been taken over by the Futurehead's Barry Hyde

One of Sunderland’s oldest pubs has been taken over by new management who are hoping to attract more people through its doors.
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Barry Hyde, frontman of The Futureheads, and business partner Dan Donnelly, who’s performed with Celtic Social Club, The Wonder Stuff and The Levellers, have taken over the lease at The Peacock, in Keel Square.

Housed in one of the city’s finest buildings, which dates back to 1901, the interior of the pub was restored in 2017 after much investment in that corner of the city by the MAC Trust, however, it never rivalled the success of sister sites The Dun Cow and The Engine Room.

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Barry and Dan took over the reins at the the three-storey Grade II-listed pub and venue a fortnight ago and have already started to inject the pub with more personality to make it stand out from the crowd.

New landlords of The Peacock, Barry Hyde and Dan Donnelly (right)New landlords of The Peacock, Barry Hyde and Dan Donnelly (right)
New landlords of The Peacock, Barry Hyde and Dan Donnelly (right)

Although both are most known for their music careers, the pair also have experience in the hospitality industry, with Barry working as a cook in the past and Dan having ran bars previously.

Barry said: “Running a pub is a bit like being in a band: you’ve got to put in a good performance, stay true and build up a following.”

He added: “This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sunderland and we feel a responsibility to look after the place and give it the treatment it deserves.”

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Changes made include toning down the colours in the main bar to create more of a traditional pub feel, creating a pool room where local artists can showcase works on the walls and playing more varied music. Beers such as locally-brewed Double Maxim and Anarchy Brew Co options, as well as Czech lagers and craft IPAs are available, while the food menu has had a complete transformation.

Despite restoration works to the exterior, The Peacock is still open for businessDespite restoration works to the exterior, The Peacock is still open for business
Despite restoration works to the exterior, The Peacock is still open for business

The new management have introduced a smaller menu which changes regularly with a focus on freshly-made global produce, such as sriracha wings, baby back ribs with salsa negra, traditional Venezuelan shredded beef dish Pabellon (made by the Venezuelan head chef) and smash burgers, which are available as beef and veggie versions, as well as handmade seitan burgers.

The music policy has also had a shake up and customers are encouraged to chat about the music they’d like to hear.

The pair will also be using their connections in the music industry to work with promoters and bring more acts to the 220-capacity venue upstairs. Among the first acts booked is The Lake Poets on Saturday, December 21, with plenty more in the pipeline.

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Dan said: “It’s a great venue upstairs and, although it will still be available for functions, we really want to push it as a music venue too. We’ll be reaching out to up and coming promoters, but it’s also a splendid space for a private party with a high end buffet.”

Local artists can showcase their works on the walls.Local artists can showcase their works on the walls.
Local artists can showcase their works on the walls.

Although major restoration work is being carried out on the exterior of the Edwardian building as part of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme to preserve and regenerate the area, the pub is operating from 5pm during the week, except Mondays when it’s closed, and from lunchtime on weekends.

Once the scaffolding has been removed in Spring, The Peacock will expand its hours and offering. The move has created eight jobs, with more planned for the future.

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