Here’s our latest round up of openings over the past few months, from a pretty in pink new chapter for an old favourite to a cafe where kids eat free every day.
9. The Community Kitchen, Fawcett Street
The Community Kitchen cafe has opened as part of the new Community Shop in Fawcett Street. While the retail element of the shop, which sells discounted surplus supermarket items, is for members on means-tested benefits, the Community Kitchen is open to all. It sells very affordable food with a full English for £3 - and kids eat free every day with a paying adult. | Sunderland Echo
10. Elephant Rock, Roker
One of the biggest openings so far in 2026 is the long-awaited opening of Elephant Rock, which transformed an old weather shelter in Marine Walk. Brought to the city by the directors at Vaux, as well as TV architect George Clarke, it's already proved a popular addition with its beachfront cafe / bar offering. | Sunderland Echo
11. Pepe's Piri Piri, Fawcett Street
Another new addition to the city's food and drink scene this year is Pepe's Piri Piri. With 50 covers, the franchise is for sit-in or takeout dining and has brought new life to the corner unit on Fawcett Street and High Street West as part of a wave of new openings in the street. Specialising in flame-grilled chicken, Pepe’s also sells options such as Mexican-inspired burritos and nachos salads, burgers and the store’s now somewhat ‘instafamous’ Chick’n’Rice box, which has attracted millions of views on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. | Sunderland Echo
12. Wild Fire City, Mackie's Corner
Popular homegrown pizza restaurant Wild Fire opened a second site with the opening of Wild Fire City at Mackie's Corner. More of a daytime offering than the restaurant in Deptford, it offers pizza by the slice, focaccia sandwiches, doughnuts and more. | Sunderland Echo