Work is well underway on the new RIO Steakhouse, which is one of the most anticipated new openings in the city. The team at the popular North East-based hospitality brand are doing a major £500k refit of the old Halo sit in Low Row, also known for its time as Bud Bigalows. They're aiming to open this September. Pictured are owners Rodrigo Grassi Duarte and Howard Eggleston at the new site.placeholder image
Work is well underway on the new RIO Steakhouse, which is one of the most anticipated new openings in the city. The team at the popular North East-based hospitality brand are doing a major £500k refit of the old Halo sit in Low Row, also known for its time as Bud Bigalows. They're aiming to open this September. Pictured are owners Rodrigo Grassi Duarte and Howard Eggleston at the new site. | Sunderland Echo

RIO opening date and the other new food & drink businesses heading to Sunderland

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 28th Jul 2025, 13:40 GMT

From the city centre’s only steakhouse to a new beachfront bar, work is well underway on a number of new food and drink businesses heading to Sunderland.

Here’s a roundup of what’s heading our way and when.

For our chat with the owners of RIO see here.

There will be food outlets on the new development taking shape in Farringdon. Work is well underway on a new retail outlet which is set to create over 100 jobs for the city. Located on the site of the former Farringdon Police Station and adjacent land, the multi-million-pound retail development will see the creation of a new B&M Homestore, Costa Drive-thru, Greggs, The Tanning Shop and Westway Vets veterinary practice. It's due to open in autumn / winter 2025. The development of the 32,100 sq ft site is being carried out by Almscliffe Dhesi Developments.

5. New food outlets in Farringdon

There will be food outlets on the new development taking shape in Farringdon. Work is well underway on a new retail outlet which is set to create over 100 jobs for the city. Located on the site of the former Farringdon Police Station and adjacent land, the multi-million-pound retail development will see the creation of a new B&M Homestore, Costa Drive-thru, Greggs, The Tanning Shop and Westway Vets veterinary practice. It's due to open in autumn / winter 2025. The development of the 32,100 sq ft site is being carried out by Almscliffe Dhesi Developments. Photo: Almscliffe Dhesi Group

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The signage has been up for some time at corner unit in Keel Square and The Muddler announced that the fit out had started inside the unit in May. 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. Sunderland can look forward to a sushi bar, Asian small plates and colourful cocktails.

6. The Muddler, Keel Square, soon

The signage has been up for some time at corner unit in Keel Square and The Muddler announced that the fit out had started inside the unit in May. 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. Sunderland can look forward to a sushi bar, Asian small plates and colourful cocktails. | Sunderland Echo

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