The beer lover’s bible for 2027 is out now.

In a time when more pubs are sadly closing than opening, two Sunderland pubs are raising a glass to their success.

Alex Bonallie, centre, owner of the MOD bar, with regional branch CAMRA members Mo Moseley with his dog Biscuit, Ken Paul, Alan Harrison and Michael Wynne. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Alex Bonallie, centre, owner of the MOD bar, with regional branch CAMRA members Mo Moseley with his dog Biscuit, Ken Paul, Alan Harrison and Michael Wynne. | Sunderland Echo

Despite both only being open for two years, MOD in Mary Street and Bridge Hotel Vaults in High Street West have both made their debut in the 2027 Good Beer Guide which hit shops this week.

They’re the only two new entries in the 22 pubs who made the grade in the Sunderland and South Tyneside section of the beer lover’s bible.

CAMRA regional branch members visited both sites to present them with their certificates.

MOD opened in Mary Street two years ago | Sunderland Echo

Alex Bonallie opened MOD in the former Fagan’s barber shop in Mary Street two years ago, creating a military bunker-themed micropub filled with paraphernalia and talking points.

On making it into the guide, Alex, who also owns The Gunners next door, said: “My mind was blown when I found out.

“A lot of people still don’t know we’re here, so hopefully this will help. The first couple of years has been hard, a lot of the bigger chain pubs sell cheap bar, it’s very competitive, but I’d always rather give out quality over quantity.”

The Bridge Hotel Vaults also opened in 2024 after major new life was given to the former pub site in Sunniside dating back to the early 1800s, which had been used as offices since the ‘90s.

Dan Shannon, who recently took over the tenancy, said: “What a buzz! Those guys really know their beer and we’re over the moon.”

Michael McKnight from the Bridge Hotel Vaults team who say they're over the moon to be featured in the guide | Sunderland Echo

Alan Harrison, chairman of The Sunderland and South Tyneside branch of CAMRA, said: “The fact that both pubs have made it into the Good Beer Guide in a relatively short amount of time is testament to the quality of the beer.

“They both got in the guide on their own merit. Not one payment is made to get into the guide, everyone is listed because the quality of the beer is nothing less than good.”

The guide uses an independent, volunteer-led selection process that makes it an authoritative and trusted voice for cask beer drinkers in the UK.

The listing for MOD reads: “This recently opened former barber’s shops is a military-themed, single-room micropub with paintings, photographs and regimental badges decorating the walls.

“It is run by the same owners as the Gunners Club next door. Two changing ales are offered. There is plenty of seating and relaxed atmosphere. Close to public transport.”

The listing for Bridge Hotel Vaults reads: “This Grade II-listed building was originally the Sunderland home of the Lambton family. The single-room bar features up to four handpulls, serving Vaux’s cask ales and occasional guests.

“The bar has a simple, no frills design - no TVs or gaming machines, just background music that doesn’t distract from conversation. Note the outside tilework.”

*The 2027 edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide is out now and available to buy here camra.org.uk