Here we look back at the firm’s proud history and legacy as well as the ongoing debate over its largely empty city centre site.
9. Wheel deals
Memorabilia from the brewery was sold off at auction within months. Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. Flying the flag
Collector Richie Morgan has even opened his own bar dedicated to all things Vaux in the back garden of his Seaburn home. Photo: Picture by Peter Berry
11. Toasting the past
Maxim Brewery, on the outskirts of the city at Houghton, also preserved Vaux's heritage by buying up the rights to brew famous beers such as Double Maxim and Samson. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady
12. Empty dreams
The brewery site itself, however, has remained largely empty for the last 20 years with initial plans by Tesco to build a new supermarket eventually stalling in 2011. Photo: Kevin Brady