With the return of Billy Elliot the Musical to the city, it’s set to be a busy month at the Empire, drawing in audiences from home and away.
If you’re looking to eat ahead of the show, here’s the closest places to the theatre, either in the immediate Culture Quarter or Keel Square.
Other restaurants around the city centre also offer pre-theatre dining options.
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5. The Dun Cow, High Street West
One of Sunderland's finest old pubs, the Dun Cow is always popular for a pre-theatre drink and has seen many famous faces over the years. You can also pick up food from its bar menu of pies and more. | Sunderland Echo
6. The Botanist, Keel Square
Head to the Botanist in Keel Square for pre-theatre hanging kebabs, chicken katsu curry, vegan bang bang noodle salad, prawn linguine, roasted seabass and more. It's open seven days a week. | Sunderland Echo
7. Keel Tavern, Keel Square.
For a pre-theatre pie and pint, head to the Keel Tavern in Keel Square. Open daily for lunch onwards, it's got a menu of hearty pub classics, such as bangers and mash, fish and chips and a whole range of pies. | Echo
8. Spice Empire, Church Lane
For a pre-curtain up curry try Spice Empire in Church Lane, which has undergone a major makeover in recent years creating a stylish dining area. There's some great deals on offer. | Echo