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.
5. Carmichael's food specialists, Dovedale Road, Seaburn Dene
A new deli is giving customers the chance to enjoy artisan foods at home with its broad selection of farmhouse cheeses, cured meats, preserves, pastas and more. Carmichael’s has completely transformed the former Busy Lizzie cafe in Dovedale Road, Seaburn Dene. It stocks a whole host of independent producers, from North East brands such as Fat Lass Preserves, Doddington’s Dairy, Northumbrian Smokehouse, Tynemouth Coffee, The Yolker scotch eggs and sweet treats from The Canny Chocolate Company to national brands such as Yorkshire Pasta and Cotswolds Liquorice Company, as well as a wide range of imported goods. Photo: Stu Norton
6. Aylaz Turkish takeaway, Eden Vale
Earlier this year, Huseyin Albayrak took over a former Indian takeaway in Beachville Street, Eden Vale, and invested thousands of pounds into totally transforming it into Turkish takeaway, Aylaz. One of the few dedicated Turkish food places in the city, it aims to bring restaurant quality food to homes across the city. Huseyin has been a chef for 11 years and for the past seven ran a popular Turkish restaurant in Newcastle city centre, providing an authentic taste of his home land. Photo: JPI Media
7. Diego's relocation, Victoria Gardens, Grangetown
After five years at Ashbrooke Sports Club, popular Italian restaurant Diego’s has moved to larger premises. Restaurateur Diego Mino has teamed up with Helen Maddison from the Victoria Gardens in Grangetown to provide his classic Italian dishes in a local pub setting. Diego had to close his restaurant in Ashbrooke when the pandemic hit last March, but he says moving from a 34-cover restaurant to a large pub has given him the chance to expand his offering whilst also retaining his six members of staff. His popular dishes are available for takeaway, as well as to be eaten in the new and improved beer garden at the pub. Photo: JPI Media
8. The Wooden Galley, Villette Road, Hendon
The latest addition to Villette Road is looking ship shape with its menu of healthy meals, as well as classic comfort foods. The Wooden Galley has been brought to the local high street by Danielle Hanson who has named her business in honour of Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage, as well as her former career as a communications technician in the Royal Navy. An extension of her Sunderland Food Prep business which she’s operated from her home for the past two years, the new premises means Danielle has a bigger kitchen for making up calorie counted and macro-balanced meal prep orders, while also having space to sell take away comfort foods such as breakfasts, panackelty, mince & dumplings, lasagne, Sunday dinners, pastas and more. Photo: JPI Media