Plans announced for new sports bar in Sunderland city centre
The site has been empty for a number of years.
A new sports bar is heading to the city - with a Brazilian twist.
RIO steakhouse has teased it’s bringing something new to the city centre in a shift from its usual formula.
The popular North East chain opened in the former Halo bar in Low Row, also known for its time as Bud Bigalows, in September 2025, bringing its brand of unlimited meats and salad bar to the city.
Now, the chain has announced it’s transforming the upstairs unit at the site, which most recently operated as Craig’s sports bar, but has been empty for some time.
Teasing the arrival on social media, they posted: “Something’s happening upstairs at Rio. Brazilian flavour meets sporting action. Watch this space.”
The accompanying CGI image shows pool tables, dart boards and sports on the big screen.
RIO has a number of branches around the North East including Jesmond, Newcastle Quayside, Durham and Middlesbrough, as well as further afield in Edinburgh and Chester.
It became a hospitality success story with its coaster system, with your coaster on green meaning Gaucho chefs will keep bringing different cuts of meats to your table, and turning it to red meaning you’re full.
However, the Sunderland site is set to be the first in a new Brazilian sports bar concept.