We're bringing a slice of New York to Sunderland seafront in transformed historic site

Slice up your life as a popular homegrown brand opens a third branch - this time on the Roker Riviera.

Business partners Andy Smith and Mark Milroy have had great success with their original Slice Seaham business which they opened in lockdown and is still going strong today.

It led to Slice opening in Sunderland city centre, where it’s proved popular with its New York-style pizza slices to grab and go.

Now, they’re taking on their biggest venture yet after taking over the lease at the former Pier Fish and Chips site at the top of Roker Pier.

The team already has the keys and are busy transforming the site, which has a large kitchen to create pizza slices to take out or enjoy in the onsite terrace. Its aesthetic will be similar to Seaham with a heritage colour palette, but there will also be lots of Sunderland history incorporated in the design.

The terrace, which seats around 150 people, will also be given a Slice makeover and the plan is to sell alcohol, and host events, so people can make the most of the decked area which has prime views of the lighthouse.

“This is our biggest Slice to date and will become our flagship Slice - and we think it’s going to be unreal,” said Mark.

New owners recently purchased the former lighthouse keeper cottages and were looking for a food and drink vendor for the former fish and chip shop unit in one of the cottages.

They approached Andy and Mark who said it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Andy said: “Sunderland city centre has seen so much development, as has the seafront and we knew this was a place we wanted to be. Location, location, location - just look at that view.”

The team hopes to have the works finished in time for a June opening, after which, Slice Roker will be open seven days a week from 12pm to 8pm.

Mark said: “We were surprised at just how big the kitchen is. The offer will be on brand, so pizza, meal deals and loaded fries, but this site allows us to take it to the next level.

“Slice is a fast, slick operation. As a brand, people know what they’re getting and we want that to be the same in every shop.

“Obviously, there will be a massive spike in the summer, but watch this space for what we have planned in the winter.

“People can also just grab a slice to eat in the car in the bad weather, which people do a lot in Seaham. We’ll also be on the delivery platforms.”

Slice Roker will create 10-15 new roles and recruitment will soon take place.