Sunderland's beloved pink slices turn blue for the NHS and prove a hit with shoppers

Juliet’s Deli in Sea Road usually sells around 125 pink slices - a snack synonymous with Sunderland – a week but three weeks ago decided to change its distinctive pink hue blue after it was suggested by a customer.

The sweet gesture has proved popular with the deli’s customers who’ve bought 1,000 blue slices in three weeks.

Owner Juliet Gaughan has traded on the local high street for 22 years, with husband John doing the baking, and she says she’s delighted the snacks have struck a chord.

“Pink slices are a real delicacy in Sunderland and you don’t see them in as many places these days,” she said. “We’ve always sold them since we opened, so when someone put a post on Facebook asking if any local bakers would turn it blue for the NHS a couple of our customers tagged us in the post.

“I asked John if it was possible and he said it was so we started selling them about three weeks ago and have had to make a lot more trays than usual.”

Over the decades, the pink slice has become iconic in Sunderland and is difficult to find outside of the city. It’s such a part of the Mackem palate that Wearsiders have been making them at home during lockdown as part of a Mackem Bake Off challenge.

Speaking about their popularity, Juliet said: “It’s bizarre really because pink slices aren’t really anything fancy but everyone in Sunderland knows them. I think it’s a food that holds fond memories for them because they often associate it with their nanas.

“We always clap for the NHS on Thursdays and turning them blue was just a little something extra we could do to thank them for all they’re doing.”

Although some of the shops on Sea Road have had to close their doors in line with restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19, many offering essential foods are able to open for business with social distancing measures in place.

Those open have proved a lifeline for customers with places such as Fulwell Butchers doing Stay at Home packs and Barlow’s doing fruit and veg deliveries to those who are vulnerable.

Juliet says they’re appreciative of the custom and support and hope it continues once restrictions have been lifted.

“People usually have busy lives and I’ve often visited supermarkets in the past just because it’s convenient,” she said. “But I think people have rethought their lifestyles and are more appreciative of what they can buy from local businesses.

“I feel quite intimidated going into supermarkets at the minute and I think other people do too. Social distancing can be better observed in local shops and although we have queues, we try and serve people as quickly as possible.

“We’re so thankful for the custom and hope it continues after this.”

It comes as the Sunderland Echo is running our #SupportLocal campaign aimed at promoting the amazing things our local businesses are doing at this difficult time.

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