But for many of us, the pandemic has given us a renewed appreciation for shopping local, and it’s a surge in support which has allowed many new businesses to open their doors, despite the tough climate.
Here’s some of the new food and drink businesses Sunderland has welcomed in 2021 so far, with many more set to open in the coming months.
1. Lucky Cat Boba, Park Lane
Sunderland’s first bubble tea shop has proved a hit with its fun and fruity brews. Inspired by Taiwanese bubble teas, which are hugely popular, Lucky Cat Boba has opened up in a former vape shop in Park Lane where it sold more than 1,000 bubble teas, waffles and ice creams in its first 10 days of opening. Mother and daughter business team Sam and Millie Johnston say they’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the business, which is their first venture in their home city. Speaking about the business which opened for the first time on April 1, Sam said: “The queues have been down the block and one day we ran out of stock because the demand just exceeded our expectations. This is a great location next to the college and the bus station and it’s really popular with the students. Some customers have been in every day since we opened. We really take pride in looking after our customers, so to have that support so soon is fantastic.” Photo: JPI Media
2. Slice Seaham, Church Street
A new Seaham venture is serving up a slice of New York as the town gears up for the return of visitors this summer. Business partners Andy Smith and Mark Milroy have already had success in transforming a former barbers in Church Street into The Coalface micro pub. Now, they’ve utilised former storage space at the rear of the building to create a kitchen and pizza hatch, where people can pick up pizza slices, priced £2.50, and takeaway pints. Photo: JPI Media
3. Vista, Ashbrooke Sports Ground
A new coffee shop has opened its doors at Ashbrooke Sports Club as the historic sports ground prepares to ease out of Lockdown. After Italian restaurant Diego’s moved to the Victoria Gardens pub, the new management team at the sports club decided to keep the room, which had previously been used by restaurateurs on a lease basis, in house and teamed up with existing members of staff to provide a new service in the area. Noticing a gap in the market for a coffee shop in Ashbrooke, Emma Duncan and Becci Wake, who previously worked in the club’s bar, came up with the idea of turning the former restaurant into a coffee shop. It's open now for take aways which can be taken on to the terrace and from May 17 for sit-in. Photo: JPI Media
4. So Smooth Co, Stack Seaburn
Sunderland’s first dedicated smoothie bar has proved a huge hit after selling more than a thousand smoothies in its first week of business. Although there have been smoothie stands in the city previously, So Smooth Co is the first dedicated smoothie bar. Joining the Stack Seaburn container village of independent businesses, it’s been a labour of love for business partners Callum Christie and Glen Watson who’ve spent months perfecting the recipes for their smoothies and cold pressed juices. The result is a range of healthy drinks blended using natural ingredients with zero additives or sugars. The majority of their Super Smoothies contain most of your five a day and are made using organic fruit and vegetables. Photo: JPI Media