One of Sunderland's oldest pubs, The Dun Cow, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this October with a week-long programme of entertainment, including its first-ever behind-the-scenes tours. The Grade II-listed pub in High Street West, near the Sunderland Empire and The Fire Station, has attracted several famous visitors over the years, including comedy icons Laurel and Hardy, Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, and more recently comedian Al Murray and Radio 1 presenter Greg James.
A historic building with a rich past
The Dun Cow dates back to 1901, making it older than the Sunderland Empire and the Queen Alexandra Bridge, and even predating Roker Pier's opening to the public. The building boasts an Edwardian Baroque-style interior, including the original back-bar and a unique two-faced dome clock. Originally known as a gin palace, it features etched mirrors and plaster mouldings, and would once have had gas lighting.
Bar manager Josh Fletcher said: “It’s a privilege to be a custodian of a pub that has such a long history and means so much to so many people. The Dun Cow was built in 1901, which makes it older than our neighbours the Sunderland Empire, the Queen Alexandra Bridge - even Roker Pier wasn’t open to the public when we welcomed our first ever customer in 1901.”
Celebrations and events
From Monday to Sunday, daily 'Behind the Clock' guided tours will take visitors from the cellar upwards. The tours cost £12, including a pie and a pint, and many are already sold out. An archive containing never-before-seen photographs, press cuttings, posters and memorabilia will be available to browse in the pub's drawing room during opening hours.
The programme also includes a Birthday Buskers Night on Tuesday at 7pm, marking five years of the event hosted by musician Beccy Young, with performers receiving two free pints instead of the usual one. On Wednesday, a free Sunderland Heritage Pub Quiz, run by Tony Gillan, will feature rounds on local history, buildings and football. Friday and Saturday will see acoustic sets from Beccy and Will Swindle, alongside tap takeovers by local breweries Vaux, Maxim and North Pier.
Finale and memories
The celebrations conclude on Sunday, October 18, with '125 Years of Stories from The Dun Cow' at 4pm, dedicated to memories of local people who have been part of the pub's story. Fletcher added: “We’re all really excited to raise a glass to our pub. The tours have already been incredibly popular and I’m personally really looking forward to our storytelling afternoon, where we will invite customers to pull up a chair, enjoy listening to an afternoon of storytelling and history, and share their own memories and moments from the pub.”
Most of the week's events are free, including access to the archive, though visitors are expected to purchase a drink. The pub quiz requires pre-booking.
