We’ve rounded up some of the coffee shops and cafes in Sunderland and Seaham who will be opening up their outdoor tables, so you can enjoy a much-needed coffee break with up to five friends or another household. Note that all businesses will be able to open for sit-in dining from May 17.
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. Vista, Ashbrooke Sports Ground
New coffee shop Vista recently opened its doors in Ashbrooke Sports Club for takeaway. And from April 12 you'll be able to take your drinks onto the terrace to take in the views of the sports ground. Photo: JPI Media

. The Lookout, Seaham Marina
For some of the best sea views in Seaham head to The Lookout who've confirmed they'll be opening their outdoor seating from April 12. After being closed for five months, they say they can't wait to see their customers again. Photo: JPI Media

. Palominos, Hawthorn Dene
For one of the most charming spots for a catch up over a coffee and ice cream try Palominos on the edge of Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve. The converted horse box will bring back its outdoor seating area from Saturday, April 17. Find them just off Stockton Road before you get to Hawthorn village. Photo: submitted

. Paticake Patisserie, Tunstall Road, Thornhill
Pati Cake Patisserie sells some of the best cakes and scones in the city and now you can enjoy them al fresco. There's only a limited number of outdoor seats but enough to enjoy a much-needed catch up and a slice of cake with a friend. Photo: JPI Media

. Blacks Corner, East Boldon
For one of the most stylish outdoor dining experiences, head just outside of Sunderland to East Boldon where the Blacks Corner garden will be serving the best of British produce, as well as great coffees and wines you won't find on the supermarket shelves. The garden will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only for the first five weeks of restrictions lifting, from April 16. Booking is advised. Photo: JPI Media

. Clean Bean Secret Garden, North Terrace, Seaham
Clean Bean has created a sun trap of a secret garden where you can enjoy a new al fresco menu of its health foods, coffees, cakes, beers and more. It's also dog friendly. Photo: submitted

. The Snow Goose, Roker Marina
With its cracking views of Roker Marina, The Snow Goose is a lovely spot for a cuppa and cake. It's also more sheltered than the coastal cafes. Photo: submitted

. Let There Be Crumbs, Roker Hotel
Let There Be Crumbs has its own area as part of the outdoor seating created at Roker Hotel. It's open from 10am. No need to book, just pop along for breakfasts, cakes and coffees. Photo: submitted

17. The Looking Glass, Sunniside
The Looking Glass has outdoor seating in both its courtyard and patio, which are available to book from April 12. There's also a new al fresco menu with options such as ciabatta, platters, steak and more. Opening hours will be Monday to Wednesday 5pm til late, Thursday to Friday 12pm until late and Saturday and Sunday 10am until late. Photo: JPI Media

18. Sweet Petite, Mackie's Corner, High Street West
Cake and coffee shop Sweet Petite has proved hugely popular in Lockdown thanks to its huge range of cakes, fudges, brownies, cake jars and more. From April 12 there will be a small number of tables outside, with a limited amount inside from May 17. Photo: JPI Media

19. The Lamp Room, North Terrace, Seaham
The Lamp Room will have a limited amount of outdoor tables available on a first come, first served basis. To comply with social distancing there will be two tables available in the same hours as takeaway which is Thursday to Sunday from 10am, Photo: JPI Media

20. Wendy's Place, Fawcett Street
Wendy's will be reopening for take outs from April 12 for coffees, cakes, breakfasts, lunches and more, as well as alcoholic drinks. There will be a small amount of outdoor tables available. Photo: JPI Media