Engine Room, Sunderland

To be found in the Cultural Quarter of Sunderland City Centre, the Engine Room was the former Sunderland Central Fire Station which had opened in 1908. This closed in 1992 and was restored as a food led pub in 2017. Adjoining it, and sharing the same entrance, is the Fire Station entertainment venue. The complex is next door to The Dun Cow (a CAMRA 3 Star Heritage pub) ; both are owned by Pub Culture.

The original five entrance arches for the fire engines can still be seen, the doors having been replaced by glass. These are south facing and catch the sun in warmer months. Above these arches are pairs of mock flaming torches. Note that the two outer ones also have fire buckets displayed. Also outside can be found a blue plaque commemorating the 2017 reopening.

Inside it is light and airy with a high open ceiling. Take time to look at the fire station memorabilia which adorn the walls. There are the original uniform hooks ( with firemen's names) above the kitchen hatch. Note the signage about the former equipment in use at the station and also the fact the building used to be called The Dun Cow Street Station". Also on display are helmets and more fire buckets.

The bar is centrally placed and, when the pub opened, offered cask ales from up to six handpulls. This has since seen scaled back to two, sometimes one. Outdoor seating is available in the summer months, along with a small stage.

Meals are available all day from an extensive menu and tables can be reserved online

Card and contactless payment only..****

6 mins walk to Sunderland Railway & Metro Station

Within Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area