They’ve built up a firm following over the past six years.

It’s regularly one of Sunderland’s top-rated restaurants - and now it’s on the move.

Spent Grain has built a great reputation for its food since opening the doors in 2020, however, its location in John Street, a little out of the way, wasn’t ideal.

Business partners Nathan Outhwaite and Carley Wood wil relocate Spent Grain from John Street to High Street West in early 2027 | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Business partners Nathan Outhwaite and Carley Wood wil relocate Spent Grain from John Street to High Street West in early 2027 | Sunderland Echo

Now, owners Nathan Outhwaite and Carley Wood are hoping to welcome even more through the doors with a new location.

In early 2027, Spent Grain, will be relocating to the former Mexico 70 site in High Street West after the taco place closed its doors for good last month. Until then, you can still dine at the existing John Street location during the busy festive season.

Spent Grain, named after the byproduct of brewing, is set to be a great addition to the Culture Quarter, and Nathan says they can’t wait for the next chapter.

“The lease was coming up at our current site and we’ve looked at a few places, but we knew we wanted to be in the city centre or at the seafront,” explained the businessowner. “When this location became available, we knew we’d be silly not to take it.

“It’s where everything’s happening, next to the Empire, the Fire Station and Keel Square and it will be great to be a part of that.”

Spent Grain is popular, but its current location in John Street is a little out of the way. | Sunderland Echo

Speaking about the previous location, Carley said: “Some people still don’t even know we’re there, our custom is all regulars or word of mouth, as opposed to footfall walking past. So this new location is just perfect.”

We can expect the same high standard of food at the new location, including brunches, classic British dishes and Sunday lunch, with the same opening hours as the existing Spent Grain initially. New jobs are also set to be created by the move.

Decor-wise, the unit will be given a totally new look and lightened up with a neutral colour palette that makes the most of the bare brick and stone walls.

Spent Grain has built up a good reputation for its classic British dishes, like this beef cheek option from the current menu | Sunderland Echo

Since the business partners announced they were moving, they’ve been met with a wave of support.

“The phone’s been non-stop,” said Nathan. “People have been congratulating us and our regulars are over the moon. Our customers have been looking out for us, suggesting places we could move to, as they didn’t want us to disappear.”

The news that Mexico 70, which ran for nine years, was closing came as somewhat of a shock when it was announced last month.

No official reason was given as to why, but it was set to leave a big gap in High Street West, with its prime location opposite The Fire Station and Sunderland Empire.

With that site now gearing up to house Spent Grain, it’s hoped a new venture will be announced for the nearby former Koji, which closed in August.