It’s one of the most unique new additions to the city.

A new city centre restaurant is in line for a major award just two months after opening.

Blacks Corner co-owner Jonny Dryden, left, with Blacks Corner team members Lauren Gracie, Brooke Swinney, Joseph Smith, General Manager Thomas West, and Joe Miller. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Blacks Corner co-owner Jonny Dryden, left, with Blacks Corner team members Lauren Gracie, Brooke Swinney, Joseph Smith, General Manager Thomas West, and Joe Miller. | Sunderland Echo

The new Blacks Corner opened as part of the city’s new Culture House venue in September, bringing a new dining concept to the city with its 21-metre cheese belt, alongside other dining options.

It’s a sister site to the original Blacks Corner in East Boldon and the Tram Shelter in Seaburn and has the same ethos of celebrating British farmhouse cheeses and artisan produce.

Now, the city centre Blacks Corner has been shortlisted in the Restaurant & Bar Design category at the Northern Design Awards 2026, which will take place tonight, November 12, at Chester Cathedral.

Blacks Corner is in line for a Northern Design Award | Sunderland Echo

The Northern Design Awards celebrate design and craftsmanship across residential and commercial spaces throughout the north.

As well as the centrepiece cheese belt, Blacks Corner at Culture House features a glazed tasting room, bespoke joinery and seating for everything from a quick bite to a longer meal.

Jonathan Dryden, Operations Director at Blacks Corner, said: “We wanted to give people a different way to discover British farmhouse cheese and create somewhere they’d want to spend time in the heart of Sunderland.

“The cheese belt is a big part of that, and I’m proud of the care our team and collaborators put into making the whole space work. It’s lovely to see that work recognised.”