FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Experience the Best of Sunderland’s Arts Scene AT POP RECS
Find all the answers you need about our events, venue, and community programs right here.
What types of events can I attend at Pop Recs?
We host live music gigs, art exhibitions, DJ nights, cinema screenings, and local community activities. Check out our Events page to find out we have coming up. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Charles Street car park is free after 6pm or there is a multi storey car park situated near the cinema in Sunniside. Use the following links to locate nearby car parks:
How can I buy tickets for upcoming shows?
Head over to our Events page where you will find a a list of upcoming events. Each event has a website link for you to book tickets.
Is Pop Recs accessible for people with disabilities?
Pop Recs is a Grade II listed building and we’re not as accessible as we’d like to be. We want everyone to feel welcome, and we’ll do our very best to make your visit as easy as possible.
Our cafe is fully accessible between the hours of 9am and 3pm. We have an accessible toilet and step free access via the cafe door.
Our music venue, unfortunately is accessed by a step up from the street. We will always strive to meet the needs of those wishing to access our venue – please use our Contact form to get in touch if we can be of any assistance prior to your visit.
DO YOU OFFER FREE GIG TICKETS FOR CARERS?
Pop Recs is a small limited capacity venue. Most of the gigs and events you see on our listings and socials are put on by third-party promoters, not us.
Promoters set their own ticket prices and conditions and we have no control over that.
If the ticket link doesn’t offer carer tickets then, unfortunately, the answer is no.
WHAT TIME IS THE BAND ON?
Short answer … we generally don’t know ahead of the gig. Some bands will put their stage times on their socials, others won’t. We encourage you to get down early and catch the support bands. You never know, you might just stumble upon the next Frankie & The Heartstrings.
THE EVENT IS SOLD OUT – CAN YOU PUT ME ON A WAIT LIST/ARE THERE ANY RETURNS?
If it’s sold out, it’s sold out. Snooze, you lose, baby.
Most of the gigs and events you see on our listings and socials are put on by third-party promoters, not us. We don’t handle ticket returns or wait lists.
Check the ticketing link to see if there is a wait list. Be wary of people offering tickets on social media. We see a LOT of scams, don’t get caught out!
Can artists and bands apply to perform or exhibit at Pop Recs?
Absolutely, we welcome submissions from local and touring creatives. Generally speaking you will be responsible for venue hire + costs, ticketing, marketing and promotion and be able to sell a minimum of 100 tickets.
Please use the Contact form to get in touch. Venue and production specifications are available here.
Can I book POP Recs for A PRIVATE PARTY?
We welcome private bookings whether it’s a wedding reception, birthday party, baby shower or any other celebration; please use the Contact form to get in touch.
Can I book POP Recs for A CORPORATE EVENT?
We welcome corporate bookings to host your event; please use the Contact form to get in touch and discuss your requirements.
CAN YOU accomModate my SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Our kitchen and cafe handles food containing various allergens including, but not limited to, gluten, dairy, nuts, soya. We cannot guarantee traces of allergens will not be found across our menu. Please discuss any specific dietary requirements you have with our staff.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS FOR SONNY’s COFFEE & KITCHEN?
We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm. We generally close on Bank Holidays and there may some other exceptions. Please keep an our on our socials where we will publicise any additional closures.
DO YOU SERVE ALCOHOL?
We have a licensed bar in the venue offering a range of beers and spirits. We also have a selection of chilled beers available in the cafe. By law you must be over 18 to purchase alcohol. Please do not be offended if asked for ID when purchasing alcohol. You may be lucky enough to look younger than you are, so take it as a compliment!
DO YOU SELL COFFEE?
Oh yeah! The best. (but not on gig nights)
WHAT FOOD do YOU SELL IN THE CAFE?
Once again, the best. Our specials are on the board and usually include our house baked focaccia sarnies and a soup amongst other things. The seasonal menu varies but we like to keep a few regular faves like … the Sonny’s breakfast, braised beans, Turkish eggs, poachies or fried eggs on our house baked foccacia toast.
IS MICHAEL AROUND?
Almost always. But he doesn’t sleep here. If you need to make a booking, have an enquiry or need to arrange a meeting, please use the Contact form to get in touch.
IS FRANKIE IN?
NO. Ok, sometimes.
IS THERE A DECENT PUB NEARBY?
Funny you should ask that. The Bridge Hotel Vaults, directly opposite Pop Recs serves a great selection of cask ales, Vaux beers, spirits, wine and (we think) the best pint of Guinness this side of the Wear. Perfect for a pre-gig/post-gig pint.