An institution in Sunderland, it was a sad day when long-running restaurant Elizabeth's closed its doors in 2017. It was well-known for its Sunday dinners and the site's history as a restaurant went back to at least the Second World War, when it was the place to be seen by Sunderland folk as they dressed up and enjoyed a lunch or dinner away from their graft. It's pictured here in March 1999. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — An institution in Sunderland, it was a sad day when long-running restaurant Elizabeth's closed its doors in 2017. It was well-known for its Sunday dinners and the site's history as a restaurant went back to at least the Second World War, when it was the place to be seen by Sunderland folk as they dressed up and enjoyed a lunch or dinner away from their graft. It's pictured here in March 1999. | Sunderland Echo

From Jonny Ringo's to Elizabeths - 17 Sunderland restaurants that we've loved and lost

Lifestyle Editor

Published 21st Nov 2019, 16:40 GMT

Updated 3rd Jun 2025, 21:38 GMT

From the bright lights and Budweiser of Jonny Ringo’s in Park Lane to a proper Sunday dinner at Elizabeth’s, Sunderland’s been home to a host of restaurants over the years.

The city has welcomed a wave of new bars and restaurants recently, and is undergoing a boom in its hospitality scene, but we’ve had a rifle through our archives to bring you some favourites from over the years.

17. Websters, The Ropery

Websters was another pub on the site of The Ropery, which once made ropes for Nelson's ship, HMS Victory, at the battle of Trafalgar. This is the pub's opening in December 1986. Included in the photograph, Frank Nicholson of Vaux (right) and Lawrie McMenemy of Sunderland Football Club (centre). | Sunderland Echo

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From Jonny Ringo's to Elizabeths - 17 Sunderland restaurants that we've loved and lost

From the bright lights and Budweiser of Jonny Ringo’s in Park Lane to a proper Sunday dinner at Elizabeth’s, Sunderland’s been home to a host of restaurants over the years.

17. Websters, The Ropery

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