Sunderland's Restaurant Week brings in over half-a-million pounds into city's economy

The week long event, which ran from September 6 to 14, offered diners a variety of special deals at restaurants, cafes and bars around the city.

A record 65 businesses took part with diners downloading 16,997 vouchers to take advantage of the deals on offer.

Sunderland Business Improvement Districts, who organise Restaurant Week, have today announced an estimated economic impact of £509,000 being brought into the city.

Rumour Has It at Green Terrace proved the most popular choice, with Signatures Italian, at New Silksworth, and Asiana, based at the Echo 24 building taking up second and third place.

Other eateries which were among the top 10 included Koji, Wild Fire, Tarantinos Steak Seafood restaurant, Vitos Osteria at the Sheepfold Stables, Babaji, North, and Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, which opened its doors for the first time on the final day of Restaurant Week.

It was the first time that Wild Fire, a pizza restaurant and bar at Hanover Place, had taken part in the event.

Wild Fire co-owner Josh Wild said: “Restaurant Week was great exposure for us.

“It gave people who might not have visited us the incentive to do so and it gave our regular customers the chance to enjoy some great deals.

“It was a positive experience all round. We loved taking part and look forward to doing it again next year.”

The event is also being supported by Nexus whose Metro trains helped to transport people in and out of the city and to make the most of the deals on offer.

David Turton, marketing manager at Nexus said the company was delighted to have supported the week.

He added: “Sunderland’s food scene is thriving — and there’s never been a better time to explore it.

“With fast, frequent, and convenient services, Tyne and Wear Metro is your ticket to discovering the amazing restaurants across the city and we're proud to once again have supported this great initiative.”

Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland’s BIDs, said it was “wonderful to see Restaurant Week continue to go from strength to strength”.

She added: “Over the past few years Sunderland has very much become a destination for food lovers thanks to the variety and standard of our restaurants and bars.

“The fact that this time round we had the largest number of participants we’ve ever had reflects the vibrancy of our hospitality scene.

“What is always particularly encouraging is the number of people who travel from outside the city to sample what we have to offer – and the reviews they give our venues are excellent.”