Sunderland isn’t exactly paradise. So, I’m certainly not going to sit here and claim it is. But, it is home. What it lacks in some areas, it supersedes in community spirit and all-round canny folk.
I am so incredibly proud to be from the North East. We are so often overlooked on a national scale, grossly underfunded by governments, and judged unfairly by the media.
I grew up in Seaham (just round the corner from Sunderland) and have since lived in Newcastle and Sunderland (minus a three-year stint in Leeds for Uni, so I’ve got a soft spot for Yorkshire too), spending nearly all my life up here. I’ve always shouted about the region’s friendly folk, gorgeous coastline and incredible places to eat and drink, and I take great joy in introducing someone to the North East for the first time (and usually exceeding all their expectations). Newcastle’s quayside makes the city qualify for one of the most stunning city centres in the UK, in my humble opinion. We have beaches for days, far less populated than those on the south coast, but with just as breath-taking landscapes. There are heaps of renowned historical attractions all over the region, from Hadrian’s wall to Durham Cathedral. And, it’s the birthplace of Greggs. That trumps it all doesn’t it. Sausage rolls and Romans, what more could you want man?!
Today, rather than tackle the region as a whole, I’m going to spotlight (or should I say Spot white?! *in joke*) a few of my fave spots in the tourist hotspot (maybe one day) that is Sunderland.
The below recommendations are a few of many, but I guarantee that anywhere you visit, you’ll be met with a friendly face and the best craic going (so long as you avoid Park Lane bus station x).
Wildfire Pizza
Wildfire is the best pizza in the North East, hands down. What started as a pop up in The Ship Isis pub (see further down list), has now evolved into a restaurant down in Deptford bank (which is also home to a few great pubs). The decor is lush, the service even more so, and the food is out of this world. There’s plenty of veggie/vegan options and along with the pizzas, the sides are to die for. A special shoutout is also needed for the spicy margarita variation on the cocktail menu, along with a classic Aperol Spritz. If you’re more of a beer slut, there’s always a few good local Vaux beers on tap along with a few of your big-name lagers. The red wine slaps too. I’d recommend booking as it rightfully gets rather busy.
Pop Recs / Sonny’s Café
To quote their own bio: ‘Pop Recs is a café, music and arts venue and community hub located in the heart of Sunderland’. The café part has now metamorphosed into Sonny’s; a vegetarian café (with loads of vegan stuff too) where the breakfast is second to none. Their Turkish eggs is probably my number one breakfast choice in the region, and it’s incredibly reasonable too. The tunes are always delicious and the whole team that works there are bloody lush.
Pop Recs the venue, is a space like no other in the city. Hosting bands from all over the world, poetry nights, photography exhibitions, pop-up markets, film screenings… the list goes on.
It’s a community interest company, which makes a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Their ethos is solid, as is their craic. Vaux beers on tap, and gorgeous vibes all round.
North Seaburn
If you like seafood, you have to go to North. My cousin recently came to visit for the weekend, and her being a self-confessed seafood addict (alongside scotch eggs, she once ate so many she turned blue – don’t recommend, and shoutout Lu if you’re reading this haha) we had to take her to what promised to be the perfect spot. Located right on the edge of the beach, literally metres away from the sandy dunes and North Sea, is North. The menus is 50% non-seafood so fret not if you’re a veggie or not big into the fishies. It consists of a lot of small plates, of which you’re recommended about 3 per person. My sister, cousin and I of course then ordered 9, plus two lots of bread for-a-dipping. Every dish was scrumptious, and it was pretty reasonable as well. We got a bottle of white wine for the table, and it still worked out at about 40-50 per head with all the trimmings. Which for a special occasion meal, isn’t too bad in my opinion.
They also do brunch/lunch, which I’ve heard is equally as delish.
The Ship Isis
If you ask me, The Ship Isis is the best boozer in Sunderland. Despite, having a terrorist organisation in its name, it’s one of the most welcoming and inclusive pubs around. It has the gorgeous traditional features of an old pub (dark wood, stain glass, fireplaces) but without the old pervy men and lingering smell of pickled eggs and ‘Lamberts Gold. ‘Benson and Hedges’.
There are some staples on tap and cask, along with some fun beers that come and go. The staff are always happy to give recommendations, as are the folk stood at the bar who are normally up for a friendly chat. The upstairs room is host to local gigs, and the lil side room can be rented out for Birthday parties and the likes of. I’m sure they still serve chips too, which is always a win in my books.
The Good Apple Café
This is another lush little breakfast/lunch spot in the centre of town. The Good Apple is an independent coffee shop that serves vegetarian (and vegan food). They have a solid staple menu, with a cracking soup and a sandwich deal, but the gems really are the daily specials. I’ve had the likes of a salt and pepper tofu burger with skin-on fries, jerk jackfruit with rice and peas, Thai green curry, veggie mince and dumplings for less than a tenner on the specials menu. And they’ve all hit the spot, I’ll tell you for that.
The staff are lush and although there’s only a few tables (probably only about 5), the atmosphere is super relaxing and welcoming.
The Fire Station
The Fire Station is a relatively recently built live music and performance venue, with an adjoining pub/bar. It serves as the largest venue for the annual Waves music festival (a multi-venue festival in Sunderland that normally happens in November), and also plays host to live music, comedians, plays and live podcasts. It fills a gap in what was previously taking place in the city, and I’ve been really lucky to catch a few incredible performances since the venue opened, namely Dr John Cooper-Clarke .
Sunlun is only getting better too. The Sheepfolds is a new and exciting space with bars and restaurants, Fulwell 73 are building their new film studios on our Riverside, and as I write this Sunderland AFC are near the top of the Championship (let’s hope it sticks now I’ve put it in writing). It’s on the up, as is this word count, so I’ll sign off here.
Watch how ya gan on,
Em x
emilyrosejacko 