For one of the best brews in the city - and a great atmosphere to boot - head to Sonny's at Pop Recs at the bottom end of High Street West. Named after late co-founder Dave Harper's son, Sonny's offers great menu options such as Turkish eggs and sandwiches on homemade foccacia and some inventive vegan choices. placeholder image
For one of the best brews in the city - and a great atmosphere to boot - head to Sonny's at Pop Recs at the bottom end of High Street West. Named after late co-founder Dave Harper's son, Sonny's offers great menu options such as Turkish eggs and sandwiches on homemade foccacia and some inventive vegan choices. | Sunderland Echo

27 independent coffee shops to check out in Sunderland city centre

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 18th Feb 2026, 11:28 GMT
Updated 18th Feb 2026, 11:32 GMT

Fancy a brew? Sunderland has a thriving independent coffee shop scene.

If you’re in Sunderland city centre, here’s some great places to visit, big chains aside, in no particular order.

You'll find Pablo Eggsgobao in the courtyard at Mackie's Corner, serving its signature breakfast bao buns, hash browns, cornflake ice cream, coffees and orange juices - as well as dog treats. It's aimed at being take away, but there are some seats for those wanting to dine al fresco

13. Pablo EggsGoBao, Mackie's Corner

You'll find Pablo Eggsgobao in the courtyard at Mackie's Corner, serving its signature breakfast bao buns, hash browns, cornflake ice cream, coffees and orange juices - as well as dog treats. It's aimed at being take away, but there are some seats for those wanting to dine al fresco | Sunderland Echo

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For colourful matcha, coffee, salad bowls, brunch and more head to Fretta by Ruhe in Stockton Road (next to Park Lane Interchange), which is a sister site to Ruhe in Roker Park.

14. Fretta by Ruhe, Stockon Road

For colourful matcha, coffee, salad bowls, brunch and more head to Fretta by Ruhe in Stockton Road (next to Park Lane Interchange), which is a sister site to Ruhe in Roker Park. | Sunderland Echo

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As part of a wider programme to attract more people through the doors of the Minster, a new business has opened at its coffee shop space. Called Cafe at the Minster, it sells classic comfort foods like breakfast sandwiches, corned beef slices and school cake. You can also enjoy afternoon tea in historic surroundings.

15. Cafe at the Minster, Sunderland Minster

As part of a wider programme to attract more people through the doors of the Minster, a new business has opened at its coffee shop space. Called Cafe at the Minster, it sells classic comfort foods like breakfast sandwiches, corned beef slices and school cake. You can also enjoy afternoon tea in historic surroundings. | Sunderland Echo

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The Little Shop may be small in size, but it's big in quality, with a great range of coffees, brownies, artisan doughnuts and more on the go. You can find it opposite The Fire Station.

16. The Little Shop, High Street West

The Little Shop may be small in size, but it's big in quality, with a great range of coffees, brownies, artisan doughnuts and more on the go. You can find it opposite The Fire Station. | Sunderland Echo

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