Sunderland BID: A sneak preview of Sunderland Restaurant Week

More than 40 Sunderland eateries are taking part in the event this year, which takes place between Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 16, with a range of offers for £5, £10 or £15 per person.

From burritos to burgers and light lunches to multi course meals, Sunderland’s vibrant restaurant scene has something for everyone.

There is even more choice of where to eat this time around, with new sign-ups including Esquires Coffee House at the Bridges, Bean and Grape at Olive Street, The Pickle at Vine Place and Mexico 70 at High Street West.

And lovers of Asian food have a choice of new restaurants taking part if they don’t mind travelling a little further afield, with Alishaan at Station Road and Tashan Indian Restaurant at Easington Lane, along with old favourites including The Funky Indian at Borough Road.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, is delighted to have so many restaurants, bars and cafés returning to take part in Restaurant Week again, as well as the new places on board for the first time.

“Restaurant Week is brilliant way of highlighting Sunderland’s growing restaurant scene, with some amazing deals that it would be a shame to miss out on,” said Sharon.

“This is a great opportunity for Sunderland diners to find a new favourite restaurant that they may not have tried before and we would love to see as many people as possible downloading a voucher and supporting our local businesses.

“This time around going out to eat is easier than ever as we have managed to secure free parking after 5pm during Restaurant Week in all city centre council car parks.

“Or, for those who want to make a night of it without having to worry about driving home, another option is using Station Taxis, who are supporting Restaurant Week.”

And for those who don’t know where to start, here is a breakdown of a selection of the restaurants that are taking part this time around.

Those wanting to take advantage of the offers during Restaurant Week should download a voucher from www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/offers/restaurant-week2 Church Lane, Church Lane

A favourite spot for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, 2 Church Lane offers an extensive burger list, more than 70 beers and creative starters including pigs in blankets and cheeseburger spring rolls. Choose a selected burger and chips for £5 or a starter and a burger for £10.

The Pickle, Vine Place

Taking part in Restaurant Week for the very first time having only opened at the end of last year, The Pickle is offering any burger, cake slice and soft drink for £5 per person. Choose from their Breakfast for Dinner burger, Southern Fried Chicken or their vegan option, Beetroot and Sweet Potato.

The Meat Up, Derwent Street

Popular among the meat eaters, the name of this bar and grill says it all. Get a starter and burger, 12-inch pizza or the Middlesbrough favourite, the parmo, for £10. For those with a sweet tooth, The Meat Up also offers a range of indulgent desserts, including the waffle tower, chocolate fudge cake and chocolate brownie sundaes.

Esquires Coffee House, the Bridges

Esquires is another new addition to Restaurant Week and a great choice for those in search of a light lunch in a friendly setting, as well as being perfectly situated at the Bridges for shoppers who need a coffee break. Grab a panini and a small tea or filter coffee for just £5.

The Peacock, High Street West

Sometimes there’s nothing better than pub grub and a fantastic atmosphere and The Peacock delivers on both. The pub is offering diners two courses for £10 during Restaurant Week, with starters like homemade nachos and BBQ chicken wings and mains including lemon and pesto spaghetti and traditional fish and chips.

Royale Thai, Mary Street

Bringing the taste of Thailand to the streets of Sunderland, Royale Thai is a popular choice among fans of Asian cuisine and it’s not hard to see why. Diners can enjoy two courses for £10, choosing from spring rolls, chicken satay or tom yum soup for starters and a selection of main dishes, including jungle curry and crispy honey chilli chicken.

Holmeside Coffee, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

Having moved into new premises at the beginning of the year, Holmeside Coffee has settled in well, with a stunning view of the Winter Gardens and Mowbray Park for café-goers to enjoy. Make the most of the daytime deals on offer for £5.

Bean and Grape, Olive Street

Cosy and stylish, Bean and Grape is another new eatery diners can make the most of during Restaurant Week. Enjoy a sandwich or toastie and a hot drink for only £5 and try not to be tempted by the homemade baked goods also on sale in the coffee shop.

Mexico 70, High Street West

Taking part in the event for the first time, Mexico 70 offers authentic Mexican food and drinks and even has a colourful outdoor terrace. With creative tacos on offer like sweet and sour mackerel and spicy pepper squid, diners will be spoilt for choice.

Port of Call, Park Lane

Inspired by Sunderland’s shipbuilding past and spread across three floors, Port of Call is a great choice for Restaurant Week. Choose a main for £10, including sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry, pork belly and crackling and stuffed fillet of seabass, or add either a starter or dessert for £15.