A local favourite will form part of the new Culture House when it opens in Spring 2026. As well as being a new gallery, library and community space, it will house a new branch of Blacks Corner on the ground floor serving their signature artisan produce. The team will also cater for events in the new Sky Garden in Culture House.placeholder image
A local favourite will form part of the new Culture House when it opens in Spring 2026. As well as being a new gallery, library and community space, it will house a new branch of Blacks Corner on the ground floor serving their signature artisan produce. The team will also cater for events in the new Sky Garden in Culture House. | Sunderland Echo

7 new food and drink openings to look forward to in Sunderland in 2026

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 5th Jan 2026, 06:00 GMT

From a cafe by George Clarke to a new branch of a local favourite, there’s a wave of food and drink openings heading to the city this year.

Here’s what’s been announced so far, and what we know about them.

Washington-born TV architect George Clarke has had his plans approved to convert 176 High Street West, next door to Sonny’s and Pop Recs, into George Clarke’s Home of Books, a cultural bookshop, cafe and flexible event space described as a ‘community living room’. Meanwhile, the upper floors are set to be transformed into an apartment that will be used by the presenter and his family, as well as being marketed as boutique accommodation for short stays when he isn’t in town. |

5. George Clarke's Bookshop, High Street West

Washington-born TV architect George Clarke has had his plans approved to convert 176 High Street West, next door to Sonny’s and Pop Recs, into George Clarke’s Home of Books, a cultural bookshop, cafe and flexible event space described as a ‘community living room’. Meanwhile, the upper floors are set to be transformed into an apartment that will be used by the presenter and his family, as well as being marketed as boutique accommodation for short stays when he isn’t in town. | | Submitted/LDRS

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The signage has been up for some time at the corner unit in Keel Square and it's hoped we'll get an update on The Muddler in 2026. The Asian-inspired restaurant is owned by The Danieli Group, who already know the Sunderland market thanks to their Stack brand, which has a successful branch at Seaburn - and they've been busy with a number of Stack openings across the country.

6. The Muddler, Keel Square

The signage has been up for some time at the corner unit in Keel Square and it's hoped we'll get an update on The Muddler in 2026. The Asian-inspired restaurant is owned by The Danieli Group, who already know the Sunderland market thanks to their Stack brand, which has a successful branch at Seaburn - and they've been busy with a number of Stack openings across the country. | Sunderland Echo

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There's been work ongoing at the old shelter in Marine Walk, Roker, which is being transformed into a new beachfront bar called Elephant Rock. It's named after the old rock formation which once divided Roker and Seaburn. With teasers being shared on the Elephant Rock social media platforms, it's hoped we'll get an update on this one soon. Pictured is a CGI of the completed bar area.

7. Elephant Rock, Roker

There's been work ongoing at the old shelter in Marine Walk, Roker, which is being transformed into a new beachfront bar called Elephant Rock. It's named after the old rock formation which once divided Roker and Seaburn. With teasers being shared on the Elephant Rock social media platforms, it's hoped we'll get an update on this one soon. Pictured is a CGI of the completed bar area. | Pulp Studios Design

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