The past few months has seen a wave of new cafes and restaurants open around Sunderland – with more to come this year.
Here’s some of the new businesses that have opened recently and which are worth checking out.
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Independent businesses to try in 2023 Photo: national world
. Love Lily, Herrington Country Park.
A sister site to the hugely-popular Love Lily, a sister site has opened at Herrington Country Park. Three times the size of the original, it's open seven days a week for sit in or take away. Walk ins only. Photo: Stu Norton
. Midnight Pizza Cru, Pop Recs
After proving a huge hit in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Cru launched a weekly residency at Pop Recs, in High Street West, in autumn last year. Expect belly-busting Detroit-style pizzas as well as New York slices. They're available in the beer hall in the venue or in the cafe next door on weekends. Check their socials for exact times and weekly specials. Make sure to try the excellent brunch options, available daily in the cafe, too. Photo: Stu Norton
. Buddha Beat, John Street
Following the success of the award-winning River Beat in Gateshead, owner Andy Drape will open Buddha Beat in John Street in the former D’Acqua site which most-recently operated as Undisclosed for a brief period. Promising ‘far eastern flavours with a local conscience’, Buddha Beat will have both relaxed and formal dining areas when it opens in January, 2023. Photo: Elliot Nichol
. Port, corner of John Street
At the end of last year, Port launched a new in-house coffee shop in its lifestyle store on the corner of John Street and St Thomas Street. Expect quality cuppas and snacks in stylish surroundings. Coffee is served from 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10am to 2pm on Sundays. Photo: Stu Norton
. Knowledge, East End
Not tried Knowledge yet? Then you're missing out. Housed in the old Boar's Head pub, one of the oldest in the city, in the East End, it's a great quality Italian with an equally great drinks offering. It's also got one of the best views in the city to boot. Photo: Stu Norton
13. Tin of Sardines, Roker
Roker’s new gin bar Tin of Sardines has proved a hugely-popular addition to the seafront. As well as more than 200 varieties of gin, it sells cocktails, wines and draught beers. As well as brunch, it recently launched a new tapas menu. It's open daily from breakfasts to late. Photo: Stu Norton
14. Redheads Mac n Cheese, Stack Seaburn
Redheads Mac n Cheese is the newest trader at Stack Seaburn after opening in the former Healthy Thaim unit. Named after owner Jamie Pagett’s ginger hair, the company has successfully run a stall at Newcastle’s Grainger Market since 2019, as well as being a regular at the Quayside Market. Enjoy mac and cheese in a whole host of different forms, from original with garlic breadcrumbs and extra cheese to sticky rib, Mexican and even a caprese version topped with pesto, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella. Photo: submitted
15. My Delhi, Borough Road
One of the largest restaurants in the city centre, ideal for larger groups, My Delhi transformed the empty former Funky Indian site in Borough Road in the city centre last summer. Spanning two floors, it's got a really vibrant decor - with a colourful menu of Indian street food classics to match. Photo: national world