Sheepfolds Stables and Vaux Brewery are bringing together 340 years of history and joining forces to launch an exclusive new lager.
Pit Pony draught lager will build on almost 200 years of Vaux’s brewing legacy in Sunderland. It has been named to acknowledge the area’s coal industry and Sheepfolds Stables’ 140-year history, and will feature Vaux’s once famous dray horses on the label.
The Helles lager will be served exclusively at Sheepfolds Stables – the city’s new food, drink, events and entertainment venue – which is due to open on Friday August 2.
Pit Pony will be brewed at Vaux’s new microbrewery in Monkwearmouth, next to the Wearmouth Bridge. The partnership is part of Vaux’s wider expansion plans that will enable more than 3,000 barrels (just over 500,000 litres) of Pit Pony and other products be produced annually on Wearside.
From its Charles Street site, Pit Pony will then be transported one mile up the road to Sheepfolds and stored on-site in six traditional, custom-made tanks. Specially designed, the serving tanks are set to become an impressive focal point, sitting aloft in The Tap Room, the venue’s main bar area.
Rick Marsden, managing director of Sheepfolds developer Building Design Northern Ltd (BDN), said: “From the very start of this project, our vision has always been to keep the history alive, so being able to go one step further and join forces with Vaux Brewery, an iconic name, is just fantastic.
“Vaux was always the beating heart of this city. It meant everything and people had a very strong affinity to it. Years may have passed since its initial closure but following its successful relaunch in 2019 as a microbrewery, it was always in our minds to somehow bring this name to Sheepfolds Stables.
“The synergy that exists between us in terms of history, legacy, what both parties are delivering for the city, and what it’ll also mean to the people of Sunderland, is quite special. So, being able to announce this partnership and start brewing our very own, tank-fresh Pit Pony lager to be sold on draught on-site, is just fantastic.
“We have made a determined effort, first and foremost, to use local companies and producers over larger commercial brands wherever possible, and while various well-known brands will be sold at Sheepfolds too, these have been selected carefully for their sustainability and environmental values.
“We’re very much looking at other opportunities with Vaux, and some of their additional products, as well as those from other local breweries, will be sold in our bars too. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved in this project.”
Steve Smith, director of Vaux Brewery, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Rick and the rest of the Sheepfolds team on this collaboration. From the initial discussions it was clear that there would be an emphasis on quality local producers, so we feel it is a perfect fit for what we’re about.
“We’ve worked for over a year on this collaboration and have put a lot of effort into recipe development and the logistics required to make sure the beer is at its peak when served. The whole development oozes character and will be an amazing new addition to the city which we’re proud to be involved with.”