Popular Italian restaurant moves into Sunderland pub to expand offering from April 12

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.

Diego’s at Victoria Gardens is currently available for collection or delivery, but from April 12 people will be able to enjoy the food while sat in the large beer garden and events space at the rear of the pub.

Then, in line with the Government’s roadmap for leading the country out of Lockdown, diners will be able to tuck into the pizzas, pastas, chicken and fish dishes and loaded fries when able to sit in the China Street pub once more from May 17.

Diego said: “We used to have lots of regulars at Ashbrooke but we took a big hit with Covid and we had to adapt to survive.

"Victoria Gardens has more potential for us because it seats a lot more people than Ashbrooke and Helen has great experience in events, so there’s lots of plans for food and live music events.”

At the minute Diego’s is operating as collection or takeaway, Monday to Saturday 5pm-9pm, but Diego is looking forward to seeing his customers for sit-in dining once again when food will be served within pub hours.

"I can’t wait to see people back again,” he said. “It will be so nice to have people back out and have that contact, and for people to be able to sit back and enjoy their food and drink.

“I think the local pubs will be really popular. People want to support their local businesses and they feel safer staying local too.”

Ahead of the April 12 reopening, the large outdoor area at Victoria Gardens is undergoing a makeover ready for people to attend within rule of six or two households up to 10 people. There will be table service for Diego’s dishes. No reservations needed.

*Diego’s is available for takeaway on Just Eat or 0191 567 1916.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.