Vaux Brewery has secured private financial investment from TV presenter and acclaimed architect George Clarke, following the rebirth of the iconic beer brand in 2019.
George Clarke raises a glass with Vaux Brewery co-founders Michael Thompson (centre) and Steven Smith (right). Photograph: Chris Owens/Vaux Brewery
After re-establishing the brand two years ago and collaborating with some of the best breweries in Sunderland, co-founders Steven Smith and Michael Thompson, both 39, confirmed that Monk Street in Sunderland would become home to their first brewery last year.
It became operational in December 2019, and they have struggled to meet demand from pubs and independent bottle shops ever since.
George’s backing comes at the start of a new era for a name already etched with a rich history, as Steven and Michael prepare to open up the city’s first taproom and vow to make it a source of pride once more for the people of Sunderland.
Steven said: “Vaux is part of the fabric of our city and was built on the passions of the people who shaped it. We are building on that rich brewing history and creating craft beer for the modern beer drinker. George shares our vision and we are excited to develop a future for Vaux that Sunderland can celebrate.”
Michael added: “I’m delighted to have George on board. George’s heart is still in Sunderland and he’s determined to help with the regeneration of the city and like us he wants to see Sunderland meet its potential and thrive.”
Proud of his own Sunderland heritage and roots, news of Vaux’s comeback struck an immediate chord with George and it was driven by pure passion as conversations ensued around playing a small part of the next chapter for the beer brand.
Respecting the legacy
George said: “I’m thrilled to see that Vaux is back, and when I had the opportunity to invest I jumped at the chance. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be part of the rebirth of one of the most amazing brands in Sunderland.
“With so much regeneration planned in the city centre and along the riverside across the old Vaux site, this is such an exciting time for Sunderland. I’m buzzing about it. What we are doing with Vaux is one important part of that new story.”
George’s passion for the brand is undeniable as he recalls his first encounter with a pint of Vaux. “I’ve known the Vaux brand since I was a small boy. You’d see Vaux signs everywhere in Sunderland, whether it was on pubs, on delivery vans, or on pint glasses in people’s hands.
“The first pint I had when I reached legal age was a pint of Vaux. I went to my first Sunderland football match in 1985 and Vaux became the shirt sponsor in 1986. Vaux was a huge part of my life from that year.
“For nearly 200 years it was a major employer in Sunderland, in the heart of the city by the River Wear, just a few minutes’ walk from where my grandparents were born and raised. Vaux as a brand just ran through our veins.
“I love the fact the guys have moved the brand forwards, while respecting the legacy, to create a modern brewery that the people of Sunderland can be proud of once again.”
The new taproom, on Monk Street, is set to open to the general public on 31st May and will serve up a selection of the brewery’s current craft beers, including favourites such as A Hazy Shade of Citra pale ale and oatmeal stout Black Wave, as well as a range of merchandise.
Online purchases are also available, with nationwide shipping at www.vaux.beer
