A North East pub has made it into the final to be named the best pub and brewery in the world for its "concept" and design.

The Keel Tavern in Keel Square, Sunderland, is close to being named the best concept project brewery and pub in the whole world by FoodInSpace.

The 2024 awards have seen venues from across the world including in Sydney, Paris, London, Amsterdam and more up for an accolade that includes fast food, bakery and food hall concepts.

Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE) The space was designed by Pulp Studios Design House, who have reacted in excitement to the nomination.

Gerard McElvenny was one of the creatives on the project before it opened this time last year. 

Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE) Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE) He explained how the project came together and expressed his excitement at the possibility of an international award.

Gerard said: "The brief was to tip its cap to the brewing history of Sunderland - the Vaux Brewery was just across the road from Keel Square.

"The building was a three storey high concrete box when we started. We wanted to make it feel comfortable - we've created booths and intimate lighting to make people really feel like they are in a tavern."

Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE) Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE) The tavern is full of easter eggs, says Gerard, including light fittings designed to resemble brewing stills, barrels, wall tiles and accents.

Now on the cusp of gaining international recognition, Gerard said: "We have had such a range of competition from Australia, Dubai, Morocco, and to get to the final two against a London bar is amazing.

Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland.Inside The Keel Tavern, Sunderland. (Image: PULP STUDIOS DESIGN HOUSE)

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"It's judged by an international panel - and it would be great to have."

Voting closes on November 10 and the tavern should find out in the next few weeks whether it has won.

The Keel Tavern has been approached for a comment.