Road closure creates new city beer garden

Two Sunderland pubs have created a new beer garden after being given the green light to seal off part of a city centre street.

Back-to-back neighbours Chaplins in Stockton Road and The Cooper Rose in Albion Place have been given permission by council chiefs to temporarily close up the short section of Derwent Street which divides them.

The section has been divided down the middle to create space for the two venues’ customers to enjoy a drink in the fresh air.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes are allowed to serve customers outdoors from today, and drinkers will no longer be required to order a ‘substantial meal’ in order to be served alcohol.

However customers must wear face masks, follow one-way systems and observe social distancing when in venues, and only table service is allowed.

The road was closed on March 29, and work has been under way since.

Chaplins has confirmed it will not be opening today, but the Copper Rose will be welcoming customers from 9am.

Tony Griffiths, chairman of LGT Developments, which owns the pub, said he felt the new rules were unworkable in their current form.

The Cooper Rose’s half of the new beer garden will include planting, lighting and space for nine tables and 36 people.

A Sunderland City Council spokesperson said: “A street café licence has been approved for the Cooper Rose and Chaplin’s pubs.

"Plans are progressing to establish an attractive new outdoor eating and drinking area for the city centre.”