A popular North East venue has been reopened after it was sold by a major pub chain last year. 

High street favourite, The Barge & Barrel, formerly known as Yates, Sunderland, re-opened its doors on Thursday (February 1), after the change of format has taken place.

Craft Union Pub Company have converted the popular site, which locals will be glad to see back open for trade - after Yates' decided to sell up the venue.

The well-loved, city centre venue, where guests can enjoy their favourite tipple with friends, family, and four-legged friends alike, has also had a brand-new dartboard installed, as well as a second pool table for any locals who fancy a bit of friendly competition.

With a community focus, the new installations aim to bring guests together and uplift the community.

The new darts board will also follow weekly entertainment, including a free darts team, which the pub is currently recruiting for.

As a community hub, Operator Angela is keen to bring a team together, and locals are encouraged to pop in and speak to a member of the team to sign up.

The pub has retained its overall character following the name change, and will also offer a range of live entertainment, as well as Sky and TNT Sports, so pub-goers can enjoy a variety of different offerings, including live music, and lots of upcoming sports coverage.

To accompany this, the pub has had a brand-new sound system installed, as well as new HD TV screens, so there is no better place in Sunderland to catch the action.

Reccomended:

Grab our digital subscription for £5 for 5 months and stay connected with local happenings. Click here

Angela Gourley, Operator at the Barge & Barrel, said: “I am so excited to re-open the Barge & Barrel and welcome locals back to the newly named venue.

"As a high-street favourite, it’ll be great to have the place back open for guests to come in and enjoy. 

"Community focus is at the heart of everything we plan to do at the pub, so keep an eye out for all the sport and entertainment we’ll have on in the coming months, I look forward to seeing you all there.”