PUB CULTURE VENUES ARE MELTING POTS.
THE YOUNG, THE OLD, COUPLES, FAMILIES.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
ABOUT US
The group was born out of a vision to create a new kind of pub.
Venues that could support the cultural development of the communities they serve, as well as simply being great places to eat, drink and socialise.
Pub Culture has venues across the North East.
Check out our venues below to find more about what each has to offer.
OUR VALUES
Quality
Innovation
Service
Standards
MEET THE BOARD
Paul Callaghan
Chairman
As an entrepreneur, Paul brings 40 years of business experience to Pub Culture.
In 1992 he established the Leighton Group, the globally successful digital and software business, and he is a former chair of the Regional Development Agency and Sunderland University. He currently chairs the Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture Trust.
Favourite beer: Anarchy Blonde Star
Favourite Pub Culture venue meal: Our pubs serve great pies
Pub quiz: I’m in it to win it!
Richard Buckley
Managing Director
Richard has over 25 years in the North East property market, and has worked for some of the region’s best-known organisations, including Ward Hadaway, The Banks Group and Tees Valley Regeneration.
For the last seven years, Richard has been joint owner of Buckley Burnett Ltd, a North East headquartered property consultancy. In the past year, he has expanded his business interests to include parts of both Bede Homes and Pub Culture.
Richard has lived in the North East since coming to the area to study at Newcastle University in 1988. He is married to a Northerner and has three children.
Favourite beer: Fire Station (releasing shortly)
Favourite Pub Culture venue meal: Burger (with extra pickles!)
Pub quiz: Not bad, but need a good team around me.
Andrew Burnett
Property Director
Andrew’s background is in land, planning and project management having delivered some significant Heritage & Listed Building projects as well as project managing commercial and residential developments throughout the region.
Andrew was Land & Planning Director at Sunderland based Bett Homes (now Avant Homes), until 2008 at which point he made the decision to move into self employment to further his career ambitions.
For the last seven years Andrew has been joint owner of Buckley Burnett Ltd, a North East headquartered property consultancy. In the past year, he has also expanded his business interests to include parts of both Bede Homes and Pub Culture.
Andrew is a Cornishman but has strong family ties in the region and has lived in the North East for over 20 years attending Northumbria University from 1995. He is married to a ‘Hebburn lass’, lives in the sticks and has four children and three dogs.
Favourite beer: Doom Bar (Cornish nectar)
Favourite Pub Culture venue meal: Sunday lunch at the Engine Room.
Pub quiz: I’ll take the sport round thanks!
Joe Smith
Operations Director
As a proven business leader in the pub and hospitality trade, Joe has extensive knowledge of operating both managed and leased & tenanted pubs.
He has vast experience of developing businesses by recruiting, training and developing key staff and building effective and professional teams. He creates pubs that are customer-focused and have an ethic of service excellence.
Previously Operations and Estates Director for Camerons Brewery, he developed and integrated their pub estate, identifying and carry out full refurbishment of 20 new sites and developing the Head of Steam brand.
Between 2008 and 2013 he was Operations Manager for Greene King running an estate of 55 pubs and between 2004 and 2008 Joe was Regional Manager of Enterprise Inns managing an estate of 75 tenanted licensed public houses in North East England and, while in this role, he was the winner of ALMR Operations Manager of the year.
The Pub Culture team share a vision – to create honest, family-friendly pubs where people feel at home and make memories.
TIMELINE
OUR VENUES
THE DUN COW SUNDERLAND
Old meets new in this stunningly restored public house. Set in the shadow of Sunderland’s historic Empire Theatre, in a Grade II listed building, the Dun Cow Sunderland offers a contemporary twist on a traditional pub.THE PEACOCK
Spectacularly brought back to life, The Peacock is a stylish addition to Sunderland’s bar and pub scene. Named in honour of The Peacock Inn, which once graced the site, this family-friendly pub offers comfortable surroundings and a stunning food menu.THE DUN COW AND GRILLROOM JESMOND
Warm, cosy and stylish, the Dun Cow and Grillroom Jesmond is tucked away in Brandling Village, a stone’s throw from the suburb’s popular Osborne Road. Fresh home-cooked food, including sumptuous steaks, and a great choice of drinks including an extensive gin selection.THE ENGINE ROOM AT THE FIRE STATION
Housed in one of Sunderland city centre’s most beautiful buildings, which has been wonderfully restored, The Engine Room is a key part of The Fire Station’s offer.