North East leisure company Vaulkhard Group has released images of its first Sunderland venue set to open this autumn.
The Newcastle company, which has been operating for more than 30 years, is best known for its three Barluga venues in Morpeth, Newcastle and Gosforth, as well as popular city centre sites The Bridge Tavern, Redhouse, Blakes Coffee House, and The Diamond in Ponteland.
In November it will become part of the major Sunderland regeneration project Riverside Sunderland when it opens Keel Tavern beneath the Holiday Inn in Keel Square, next to The Botanist which is also launching in the city. Keel Tavern will create 30 new full and part-time jobs when it opens in Keel Square becoming Vaulkhard’s 19th North East venue, where it will serve up craft beers and food.
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Ollie Vaulkhard, founder of Vaulkhard Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening the Keel Tavern just in time for Christmas. The individual charm of the venue and the fantastic food and drink offer we have crafted will create a really compelling offer which we’re sure will prove a huge hit with residents and visitors alike. It will also tie in with the ongoing transformation of Riverside Sunderland, which alongside the opening of The Botanist, Holiday Inn and The Stables at Sheepfolds, will see the venue provide a huge boost to both the city’s day and night-time leisure economies.
“Previously, we’d only ever looked north of Tyneside when scoping out new venues, however the ongoing transformation of Sunderland presented us with an opportunity too good to miss and I’m sure there’ll be plenty more businesses turning their attention to the city as we look to the future.”
Designs for the two-storey site, which will have a mezzanine and viewing gallery overlooking Keel Square where guests can dine al fresco, have been drawn up by Gateshead based interior design company Pulp Studios Design House.
Mr Mcelvenny, said: “This project presented an opportunity to create something truly special to compliment the superb offering already here in the city. The brief was to create a contemporary craft beer and fine food venue for 21st century hospitality guests. Ollie wanted us to embrace the brewing history in this part of the city. All the while, with a modern and impactful approach to the interior, and I’m confident our visuals demonstrate that.”
Coun Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for dynamic city, added: “We are delighted that the Keel Tavern will be joining The Botanist and the Holiday Inn at Keel Square this year.
“The Vaulkard Group have an impeccable record of launching and growing popular pubs and restaurant brands and I’m sure the Keel Tavern will be the latest in its long line of successful ventures.”
