Member Article

Sunderland pub gets a new lease of life

A Sunderland pub which faced closure has been turned around in a matter of months and is on course to fulfil its ambitions to become a leading real ale establishment.

Chaplins at Stockton Road was saved from the axe at the end of last year when it was taken over by cousins Debra Woods and Lorraine Griffiths, with plans to run it as a family business.

The women decided to turn it into a real ale pub which has been so well received that they are now planning to increase the number of beers available.

“Despite only being open for a short time, we’re already attracting real ale drinkers from Sunderland and beyond,” said Lorraine.

“We’ve made sure staff have had proper training so they understand about the beers and can advise the customers and we offer them a free taster so they can make sure they like the beer before they buy it.”

A refurbishment of the pub is almost complete and it is now offering not only six real ales every week but also has worked closely with Thwaites Brewery in Blackburn to create two bespoke beers.

Chaplins Best Bitter and Chaplins House ale are already becoming best sellers and the pub has also introduced a World Beer Fridge, offering a range of brands covering everywhere from India to Portugal.

“Chaplins has always been an iconic pub in Sunderland and the new look and the selection we’re offering is proving very popular,” said Lorraine.

“We’ve updated the look but still kept it traditional, improved the food offering and generally made it more appealing with some really good ales which change on a weekly basis.

“We’re about to install a seventh line which will give our customers even more choice.”

The pub now boasts an outside seating area and regular events including a weekly poker night and quiz nights.

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