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.

Giving employment opportunities to people who are neurodivergent, Sea Change occupies a lovely spot overlooking the lush greenery of the Winter Gardens. It also has a great vegan range on the menu.

17. Sea Change, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Giving employment opportunities to people who are neurodivergent, Sea Change occupies a lovely spot overlooking the lush greenery of the Winter Gardens. It also has a great vegan range on the menu. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
Named after co-owner Pati, Paticake Patisserie is just on the edge of the city centre - and well worth a visit. They have lots on offer, including a colourful array of cakes, excellent scones, afternoon teas and some Polish delicacies.

18. Paticake Patisserie, Tunstall Road

Named after co-owner Pati, Paticake Patisserie is just on the edge of the city centre - and well worth a visit. They have lots on offer, including a colourful array of cakes, excellent scones, afternoon teas and some Polish delicacies. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
For a Vietnamese coffee - which is stronger, thicker and more chocolatey than a regular brew - head to Banh Mi 179 in Blandford Street. Make sure to pick up a namesake banh mi, too. The classic Vietnamese street food is tasty stuff.

19. Banh Mi 179, Blandford Street

For a Vietnamese coffee - which is stronger, thicker and more chocolatey than a regular brew - head to Banh Mi 179 in Blandford Street. Make sure to pick up a namesake banh mi, too. The classic Vietnamese street food is tasty stuff. | Sunderland Echo

Photo Sales
After proving popular in Park Lane, Lucky Cat Boba moved to larger premises in High Street West offering a colourful array of drinks, including its signature bubble tea, as well as cakes and lunches.

20. Lucky Cat Boba, High Street West

After proving popular in Park Lane, Lucky Cat Boba moved to larger premises in High Street West offering a colourful array of drinks, including its signature bubble tea, as well as cakes and lunches. | Submitted

Photo Sales
Previous
5 / 7
Next Page
Related topics:SunderlandCoffeeNorth East
News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice