These Things Happen to host free gig as thank you for bumper first month in business

The seafront's newest bar has welcomed an estimated 10,000 people though the doors in its first month - and to celebrate Sunderland's support These Things Happen is hosting a free gig this weekend.

Once the empty former Harbour View Motors site, the new bar is now a multi-purpose venue, welcoming everyone from dog walkers and families to sports and music fans through the doors.

It's been a successful way of breathing new life into the old nineteenth century unit and complements a string of new bar and restaurant openings in Roker and Seaburn.

Since opening on September 19 for drinks, the bar and grill has extended its offering with a brunch and lunch offering including Sunday lunch, as well as live music every Thursday and a gameshow quiz every Wednesday.

Sky Sports and TNT on the big screen has also proved a big draw.

This past weekend also saw the opening of its function room upstairs with its own bar and balcony, which is available to hire at variable tariffs depending on the day of the week.

From October 30, it will also launch its evening menu which will run Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8.30pm, with a booking system soon to be be put in place.

In the meantime, people can head down this Friday, October 27 at 7pm for a gig, with free entry, from Adam and Mike, from Acoustic Odds.

The pair went viral in 2018 when they shared a video of them performing in a pub that led to a music career which sees them selling out venues around the country with their renditions of dance anthems.

These Things Happen owner, Walter Veti, said: "We've had Adam and Mike on at The Saltgrass before and they're a great act, who've become friends.

"It's usually around £15 to see them live, but we wanted to put a free gig on this weekend to mark our first month in business."

Speaking about the response from customers, Walter, who named the bar after the common phrase often used by him and his mates, said: "It just keeps on getting busier. It's a venue that does everything, we have a more chilled atmosphere during the day, then it turns itself round and has a more party atmosphere at night.

"We have a lot of return customers already, as well as people coming from outside of Sunderland, but that's testament to the offering we have down the seafront now. There's a route now and the bars bounce off each other."

The seafront is also expected to welcome a new bar and bistro at the old Tram Shelter in Seaburn this year.

The team behind Blacks Corner in East Boldon are busy transforming the site, which will bring a seasonal small plates and wine offering to the seafront whilst also honouring its heritage.