After building up a loyal following in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Crü opened in its first standalone restaurant in Sunniside in August. Specialising in Detroit-style pizza pies as well as Sicilian slices and sides, you can find them at the back of the Bridge Hotel Vaults.placeholder image
After building up a loyal following in lockdown, Midnight Pizza Crü opened in its first standalone restaurant in Sunniside in August. Specialising in Detroit-style pizza pies as well as Sicilian slices and sides, you can find them at the back of the Bridge Hotel Vaults. | Sunderland Echo

22 new bar and restaurant openings Sunderland welcomed in 2025

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 1st Jan 2026, 06:00 GMT

The past year has been a busy one in the city food and drink-wise.

With more choice than ever before, new additions joined some old favourites in Sunderland. Here’s a roundup of 22 new food and drink openings we welcomed in 2025.

Have you tried them all?

Crave opened its doors on the ground floor of Mackie’s Corner, adding to the hub of independents who now call the Victorian buildings home. Expect build your salads, subs and more.

17. Crave, Mackie's Corner

Crave opened its doors on the ground floor of Mackie’s Corner, adding to the hub of independents who now call the Victorian buildings home. Expect build your salads, subs and more. | Sunderland Echo

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Works took place in early 2025 to turn the old Fitzy's in Green Terrace into the city's only dedicated Irish bar, The Canny Lad, which went on to open in time for St Patrick's Day.

18. The Canny Lad, Green Terrace

Works took place in early 2025 to turn the old Fitzy's in Green Terrace into the city's only dedicated Irish bar, The Canny Lad, which went on to open in time for St Patrick's Day. | Sunderland Echo

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There was a lot of hype around the new Chopstix, a national pan-Asian brand which brought it casual noodle bar concept to the city in December.

19. Chopstix, The Bridges

There was a lot of hype around the new Chopstix, a national pan-Asian brand which brought it casual noodle bar concept to the city in December. | Submitted

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New opening Wear brought retail back to a well-known shop site when it opened in the former Aphrodite in Vine Place. As well as selling quality pre-loved clothing it's a Sea Change coffee shops, selling coffees, cakes and more.

20. Wear, Vine Place

New opening Wear brought retail back to a well-known shop site when it opened in the former Aphrodite in Vine Place. As well as selling quality pre-loved clothing it's a Sea Change coffee shops, selling coffees, cakes and more. | Sunderland Echo

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