New Sunderland seafront business celebrates 10,000 orders with a new pizza offering

“Pizza was always part of the plan and it’s great to be launching that offering now,” says the co-owner of Elephant Rock as the beachfront bar and cafe expands its offering.

Three years in the making, Elephant Rock opened its doors in February after a major transformation of the old weather shelter on Marine Walk, Roker.

Adding to the burgeoning hospitality scene on the seafront proved a real labour of love for city businessmen Michael Thompson and Steve Smith, who are directors at Vaux Brewery, and business partner George Clarke, the TV architect who has a huge passion for the regeneration of his home city.

In that time, the team has just served its 10,000th order and Steve said it’s been great to see their food and drink vision brought to life.

“Now the building stage is over, we’ve been able to focus on the hospitality and it’s been great to see people using the space - and enjoying it,” said the city businessman who has long seen the potential in the once empty Victorian shelter.

Coffees, in particular lattes, have proved to be one of the biggest sellers, with Elephant Rock using Baristocracy beans roasted in North Shields.

Where possible, they use local suppliers in their menu, including brioche from Hendon-based bakery Müller and, of course, Vaux beers among the 15 draft options.

So far, the bar and cafe has been focusing on its brunch, snacks, coffee, beers and drinks offering, but has just launched a new pizza menu.

“Pizza was always part of the plan,” says Steve. “We started with the brunch offering and built a nice team, we now have 17 staff across the site. We ironed out any creases work-flow wise and have had loads of happy customers.

“It was winter when we opened, so evenings were a bit of a slow burner, but with the light nights we felt the time was right to launch the pizza menu.”

Pizza is an evening option at Elephant Rock - which is named after the colloquial term for Holey Rock, the rock formation, and its distinctive trunk-like shape, which once divided the twin resorts of Roker and Seaburn - and runs from 5pm to 9pm Wednesday to Sundays.

The team specialises in Neapolitan-style hand-stretched pizza, served as a 12in standard.

There’s nine options in total, including the Testarossa ( San Marzano tomoatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, burrata, nduja, hot honey, grana padano, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil) and the Flammkuchen ( crème fraîche, pancetta, onion, chives, porcini powder, grana padano and extra virgin olive oil.)

Prices range from £9 to £15 and gluten-free, veggie and vegan options are available. The evening menu also features a range of sides, dips and desserts.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, they are running a pizza and pint (or house wine) offer for £15.

Elephant Rock is set to really come into its own this summer, when warm weather means the bifold doors can be opened fully. There will also be outdoor seating for customers.

“We have a really cool view here and it’s actually just as good in the bad weather,” said Steve. “The place becomes a bit of a haven in a storm, then when the sun’s out we can open the doors and you get the sun on your face.”

This summer will also see the launch of The Hatch at the site, where people will be able to get food and drink to go.