With Sunniside on the up, here’s some of the bars and cafes around the central gardens to visit on a trip to this historic quarter, from Sunderland’s smallest bar to a hidden gem.
5. Diego's Joint
Diego's Joint is the newest addition to Sunniside, specialising in craft ale, teas and coffee. Real thought has gone into the drinks, with each stockist being either local, sustainable or helping to plough funds into a good cause, such as Vaux, which is brewed over the water in Roker; Sea Change wines, which fund ocean conservation projects; 14 tea varieties which pay growers a fair price; Karma Cola who give a percentage of revenue to its Cola nut growers and their communities in Sierra Leone and Ascension Cider who use apples thrown away by supermarkets. Photo: Stu Norton
6. The Rainbow Hub
The Rainbow Hub is another of the newer businesses in the area after the cafe and bar opened last year. A safe space for the LGBT+ community, it offers a broad menu of all day breakfasts, panini, jacket potatoes and more. It's open Wednesdays to Sundays. Photo: national world
7. Bar Justice
Bar Justice is another of the longest-running businesses in Sunniside and it's got plenty of quirky features, including a colourful terrace at the back. Owner Sean Maddison is behind the much-loved Sunniside Live festival which returns in July as SunLun Calling. Photo: Stu Norton
8. Sloanes Sports Bar
A Sunniside institution, Sloanes Sports Bar has got everything from pool tables and live football to a menu featuring scampi, chicken strips and more. It's open seven days a week. Photo: national world