From a Euro 2020 fanzone to fine dining - 10 new things to try in Sunderland and why

But as well as our favourite haunts, there’s a whole host of new businesses and foods to try in Sunderland

Here’s a round-up of some of the new additions, and pop-up specials, worth checking out.

::Pints and pizza at Vaux Taproom

Pints don’t come much fresher than those being served at the new Vaux Taproom from this weekend. After months of delays due to the pandemic, the taproom can finally serve its first draught pints to customers from June 12 when it opens its doors in Roker for weekend trade. There will be 11 different varieties of beer available, poured straight from the cold store, as well as different street food traders to try each week. Booking is recommended on www.vaux.beer, but there will be some allocation for walk ups.

::Afternoon tea at The Sweet Petite

Enjoy one of the prettiest afternoon teas in Sunderland at The Sweet Petite in Mackie’s Corner. The cake shop built up a loyal following in lockdown and people can finally sit in at the charming shop, with outdoor seating also available. Afternoon Tea is available Thursday to Saturday from 2pm and is priced at £17 per person. Message the shop’s social media pages to book or visit the website here. Indoor tables can accommodate four people and outdoor tables accommodate five people.

::Food with a view at Seaburn Inn

Although it has 40-bedrooms, the newly-opened Seaburn Inn isn’t just a hotel. The site’s pub and restaurant is very much aimed at the local community. The kitchen is open daily from 8am to 9pm and offers everything from breakfast, with option such as a Full English and Eggs Benedict to lunch, with options such as sandwiches and pub classics through to larger evening meals including sea bass fillets and katsu chicken curry. Open for walk ins.

::Italian classics from San Marino at Hanover Place

One of the city’s longest-running restaurants, San Marino, has moved from its base in Chester Road, where it served up classic Italian dishes for 26 years, to its sister site at Hanover Place in Deptford. Expect the same excellent standard of food, as well as a new look beer garden.

::Fine dining tasting menu at Undisclosed

New restaurant Undisclosed opened in the former D’Acqua site in John Street last month, bringing fine dining and speakeasy vibes to the city. This week it unveiled its eight-course fine dining tasting menu with courses such as a beetroot and apple terrine served with picked apple, candied beets and an apple gel and wood pigeon complemented by dark chocolate and pickled raspberries. The tasting menu costs £75 per person, with the wine pairing an additional £55. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian version which is £65 per person. There’s also an a la carte menu available.

::Seasonal produce at Spent Grain

Spent Grain has transformed a once empty unit in John Street into a great addition to the city centre. The modern restaurant, complete with open kitchen, specialises in seasonal produce. It’s co-owned by Michael Jameson from the popular Urban Terrace Kitchen in Pallion. It’s open seven days a week from breakfast coffees through to evening meals.

::Fan Zone at Victoria Gardens

Football fever takes over for the next month with the Euro 2020 tournament taking place, a year later than planned, from June 11 to July 11. The Victoria Gardens in Grangetown has set up a fan zone at the rear of the pub with an outdoor screen, out door bar and Italian food available from Diego’s. Open for walk ins.

::Wild Fire pizza at Ship Isis

Wild Fire Pizza built up a loyal following on its pop-up weekends at the former Holmeside Coffee in the Winter Gardens, now you can get a slice of the action at The Ship Isis in Silksworth Row. There’s no need to book ahead for their Neapolitan-style pizzas. They’re served Wednesday-Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 2pm-9pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm.

::Al fresco cocktails at The Looking Glass

The Looking Glass opened its new look Courtyard at the rear of the site after Lockdown – and it’s a real hidden gem. With its booths, heaters and secluded feel, it’s a great spot for cocktails and some al fresco dining, with options such as brunch platters and more.

::Neon selfie walls at Halo

Halo has opened in the former Bud Bigalows site after the large venue stood empty for a number of years. There’s plenty of seating both indoor and outdoor with food such as burgers, pizzas, loaded fries and more also available. The decor features selfie walls such as neon angel wings.

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