Member Article

£250k Sunderland craft beer, food and music venue to open early next year

Bonded Warehouse, a new venue bringing live music, craft beer and street food under one roof in Sunderland, will open early next year.

Following a £250k investment, 25 new jobs are being created at the site based just outside of the city centre on the Fish Quay, Low Street.

A rare survivor of Sunderland’s former industrial landscape, the building has undergone extensive refurbishments to create a new player in the city’s food, drink and music scene.

Following months of renovation work, the mid-19th century warehouse will be split into two spaces with the ground floor housing a tank beer focussed Tap House and the upstairs acting as a hub for weddings, events and gigs.

Michael Phillips the owner and hands on Managing Director, said: “Sunderland is on the move. There’s a real buzz about the place, I’d been on the lookout for a venue for a few years to be able to bring my vision to Sunderland and with new developments seeming to be announced every week at the moment. It’s hugely excited to be a part of this movement.”

“I’m in touch with a number of top local promoters, to bring yet more live music back to Sunderland. We’ll also be hosting ‘The Sessions’ each month providing an opportunity for people to socialise all day into the early hours, with live music, craft beer, pop up gin bars and an array of the best street food in the North East. Watch this space.”

Offering an extensive craft beer and cocktail menu, the site’s Tap House will also be home to their in-house Tank Beer system, which the team will be pioneering in Sunderland.

Neil Thomas, from Allendale Brewery who will be brewing the beer, said “The main ethos with tank beer is trying to connect a venue and ultimately the drinker with the brewery.

“The beer is transported fresh from the brewery and delivered directly to the Bonded Warehouse, reducing the supply chain makes for fresher and more flavoursome beer! We are the first micro/craft brewery in the North East to be using it, and it’s a totally new bespoke beer for the BW.”

Moreover, the culinary team at Bonded Warehouse are promising menus to excite locals. Led by Michael Johnson, the executive chef, born and raised in Sunderland, identified the demand for the city to move out of its comfort zone.

He explained: “With nothing of a similar standard or variety available in the city, we believe demand is there for a casual cross over of quality food and drink in a relaxed environment, that wont break the bank.”

“With an array of small plates planned to compliment the drinks list and a monthly ‘Sunday Club’ on the cards, Bonded Warehouse is looking to become part of your weekly ritual.”

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