FAQ’s
What are your opening times?
Our opening times vary weekly depending on what events we have on, Independent doesn’t open as a bar, only for specific events. Our weekly club nights Guilty, INDEPOP and The Sesh operate every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11pm until 4am. You can find all other events, live music and club nights, listed on the events page of our website.
Do you have a cloakroom?
Yes. The cloakroom is located at the front entrance reception booth.
What is the age limit at the venue?
All club night events are strictly 18+. Our live shows have varying age restrictions, however the majority of gigs are all ages, as long as u18s are accompanied by an adult.
Where is the closest bus/train station and car park?
If arriving by bus, the closest interchange is Park Lane bus station, which is located 0.3 miles from the venue, a 7 minute walk.
If arriving by train, the closest station is Sunderland Station where national, local and metro trains all stop. This is located 0.1 miles from the venue, a 2 minute walk.
The closest disabled parking is located on the same street as Independent, only 30 metres from the venue. Please note this disabled parking is currently out of use.
For the closest car parking there is Sunniside Multi Story which is open 24 hours and is located 0.5 miles from the venue, a roughly 10 minute walk. The address is 1-3 William Street, SR1 1UL. See the map below. Also, close on-street parking is located on Burdon Road which is 0.2 miles from the venue, a roughly 5 minute walk.
There is space directly outside the venue for safe drop off and pick up.
Where’s nice to eat/drink/socialise before and after events at Independent?
KOJI
Ramen, noodles, bao’s, fried chicken and more small plates accompanied by specially designed cocktails.
Address: 314 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3PT
Opening Times: Thurs-Fri 4pm & Sat-Sun 12pm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/koji_sunderland
The Ship Isis
Camra pub of the year, serving the best of craft and real ale alongside the best pizzas in Sunderland.
Address: 26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ
Opening Times: Mon-Thu 4pm & Fri-Sun 12pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShipIsis/
Otto
Cafe by day, bar by night. The best coffee in the city paired with an expert selection of bottles, natural wines and cocktails.
Address: 29 Stockton Road, Sunderland, SR2 7AQ
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ottosunderland
The Kings Arms
The second oldest pub in the city, serving up a selection of the finest cask and keg ales, super smooth Guinness and elite bar snacks.
Address: Beach Street, Sunderland, SR4 6BU
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 4pm & Sat-Sun 12pm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_kingsarms_deptford
What’s the accessibility like at your venue?
Entering the Venue:
There is level access entry to the venue and across the full ground floor. Entry to the venue is through double doors, 2 metres wide. Box office is situated just inside the main front door, it is at a slightly raised level however staff assistance is available if required.
Stairs:
The first floor of the building has no level access, it is accessed only by two staircases.
Toilets:
An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor at the front of the main room. If a key is required staff will be more than happy to assist. Main toilet blocks are located upstairs.
Bar Service:
There are three bars, two on the ground floor and one upstairs. All bar areas are at a raised height however lower level access is available at the end of all bars. Bar menus are available at all bars. Table service is available if required.
Ticketing:
If attending one of our events, any person with a disability is entitled to a free personal assistant ticket. Please email Ben, via benricho@independent-live.co.uk, to arrange this ahead of the event.
I would like to hire the venue for an event.
Independent is a multifunctional venue and club space which specialises in late night parties, DJ events and live music. The venue is split across three rooms, plus two outdoor areas. For live music events most information is available in the venue spec and rate card packs, viewable here. For club and all other events please contact Ben via email, benricho@independent-live.co.uk, to discuss bespoke set up and hire charges.
I’m an artist, can I play at your venue?
Please contact Ben via email, benricho@independent-live.co.uk with the following information:
Links to social media accounts
Link to music and/or videos
Brief bio
Contact details
I have lost an item, or left something in the venue. How do I get it back?
For any queries regarding lost property please contact the venue manager Danny King via email, danny@independent-live.co.uk, we always try to do our best with recovering any lost items and holding onto them for as long as we can.
How can I join your membership scheme?
Click here to join our venue membership scheme via the nyx app, it’s free to join and there’s loads of fun perks including a monthly free Blue Pint, birthday rewards, access to q-jump tickets and more. This is mainly used in conjunction with our club events, if you want to keep in the loop with live gigs you can sign up to our mailing list here.
What safety measures are in place at the venue?
At Independent we pride ourselves on the safety and wellbeing of our customers, as such we were recently certified as an official Good Night out Campaign venue after our staff received some super informative training. Our top level security team and designated welfare officers are always on hand to help our customers plus we have a designated ‘safe room’ for people who may need a little time away from the loud music and flashing lights.