Sunderland’s hospitality industry continues to reopen as coronavirus lockdown relaxed

More venues will be taking steps back to normality in the coming weeks, following the first official day back in business on Saturday, July 4.

A proportion of the city centre’s restaurants reopened on so-called ‘Super Saturday’ – the first day they were allowed to go so.

Since then, other venues including Angelos Ristorante, Port of Call and Spice Empire have also welcomed customers back.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, believes getting the restaurant scene back on track was important for the local economy.

She said: “We know the restaurants that have opened have had a great response but it’s also important that they continue to get this support going forward.

“The Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme will hopefully give them a further boost but we need everyone to look at this as a long term commitment to help our restaurants and cafes.

“They are a vital part of our city centre economy and it’s never been more important for everyone to help this sector thrive.”

The decision for more restaurants to reopen comes days after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to boost the hospitality sector.

Throughout August, from Monday to Wednesday, diners will be able to enjoy 50% off their food bill providing the restaurant they are eating at has opted into the scheme.

The venue will then be able to claim the money back from the Government.

Monie Hussain, owner of Indian restaurant Yuvraaj on Douro Terrace, told the Echo he believes that the scheme is a positive for businesses.

He said: “I think it will be a good thing in terms of keeping business moving and it will probably keep a lot of businesses afloat.

“As soon as financial crisis hits, the hospitality industry is always the first to be knocked as people look for ways to save money.

"Hopefully it will get people of out the house knowing that they can go and enjoy a meal without spending as much as they normally would.”

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