The building's history in the city stretches back to the early 1900s when it opened as a church hall, as well as going on to be used as a school room over the years. The new name is due to the lead-lined crypts in the vault beneath the bar and the new beer garden created at the back of the site.placeholder image
The building's history in the city stretches back to the early 1900s when it opened as a church hall, as well as going on to be used as a school room over the years. The new name is due to the lead-lined crypts in the vault beneath the bar and the new beer garden created at the back of the site. | Sunderland Echo

The Vault Yard: First look, drinks prices and more as new pub opens in Sunderland city centre

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 15th Aug 2025, 14:36 GMT
Updated 15th Aug 2025, 17:09 GMT

It’s been one of the most anticipated new openings in the city centre - and The Vault Yard opens its doors from today, August 15, just in time for SAFC’s return to the Premier League.

Transforming the Low Row site, which has had a number of guises over the years including Baroque and Establishment, has been a real labour of love for owners Theatre Leisure Ltd, the Sunderland hospitality firm who also own nearby The Rabbit and Street Bar.

As they get ready to open the doors, here’s a first look around the £600,000 transformation.

For our chat with the team see here.

One of the snugs also include uniforms from the Coldstream Guards, with whom owner Lee served for 20 years. A lot of the pieces have been reclaimed and the company used all local firms for the refit.

5. Forces tribute

One of the snugs also include uniforms from the Coldstream Guards, with whom owner Lee served for 20 years. A lot of the pieces have been reclaimed and the company used all local firms for the refit. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
There's been a top to toe refurb including creating a number of snug areas. The bar has a firm focus on live music, working alongside Sunderland Music City, with big screens also screening the live performances around the bar.

6. Top to toe refurb

There's been a top to toe refurb including creating a number of snug areas. The bar has a firm focus on live music, working alongside Sunderland Music City, with big screens also screening the live performances around the bar. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
There's a wide range of drinks available, from bargain pints to premium Champagne. You can pick up drinks including Boddingtons, Carling and Bud Lite for £2 a pint or a large glass of wine for £4.95. Premium drinks, meanwhile, include options like Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot.

7. Drinks prices

There's a wide range of drinks available, from bargain pints to premium Champagne. You can pick up drinks including Boddingtons, Carling and Bud Lite for £2 a pint or a large glass of wine for £4.95. Premium drinks, meanwhile, include options like Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
Draught options include Stella Artois, Camden Town, Kopparberg, San Miguel, Mahou and more.

8. On draught

Draught options include Stella Artois, Camden Town, Kopparberg, San Miguel, Mahou and more. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:SunderlandPubsNorth East
News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice