One of the North East’s best-known leisure groups has announced plans to open a new venue in Sunderland, creating 30 jobs.

Vaulkhard Group, which has been operating in the region for more than 30 years, has revealed it will open its first Sunderland venue beneath the new Keel Square Holiday Inn.

The company, which is behind Barluga, The Bridge Tavern and Redhouse, has signed a lease for a ground floor unit alongside The Botanist, which confirmed its plans to open in the city in the summer.

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One of four retail and leisure spaces at street-level beneath the soon-to-be-completed hotel, Vaulkhard Group will create the firm’s nineteenth venue in the North East, its first south of Tyneside.

It will serve food and drinks during the day and into the evening, with the Group expecting to announce the brand and showcase it’s plans for the interior in the coming months.

Oliver Vaulkhard, founder of Vaulkhard Group, said he had been attracted to Sunderland having seen the vision of the council to transform the city centre.

“We have only looked to Newcastle and further north for new venues in the past, but there really is a sense that Sunderland is transforming, and we want to be part of that,” said Ollie.

“This really is urban regeneration on scale that is going on at Riverside Sunderland, and we see the opportunity that presents for us as a group. There’s such positive energy about the place, and the right people are around the table driving the regeneration of Sunderland. People who believe in the city, have a vision for its transformation and also have the skills and connections to deliver it. It’s a really exciting time to be coming to the city.”

The venue will stand next door to award-winning bar-and-restaurant The Botanist – famed for its botanical interiors, quirky cocktails, signature hanging kebabs, live music offering, and venues adorned with tropical plants and foliage – delivering a complementary offer.

 

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