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

Pumpkin Spice Latte season returns: 24 independent coffee shops to check out in Sunderland city centre

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 29th Aug 2025, 10:33 GMT
Updated 29th Aug 2025, 13:18 GMT

Yes, it’s still August, but Starbucks has already launched its Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL if you’re a real fan) in UK stores.

As well as the obvious chains, there’s also some great independents in the city to visit, some of whom also offer the seasonal favourite, such as Grinder in New Durham Road, as well as a host of other coffee varieties.

With autumn round the corner, we’ve rounded up 23 great independent city centre coffee shops perfect for cosy season.

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

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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

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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

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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

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