THE most depressing time of year is set to get some much needed cheer, thanks to the return of Sunderland Cocktail Week.
The aftermath of the indulgence of the festive season makes January traditionally a time when everyone wants to feel brighter.
Sunderland will be helping adults to enjoy everything the city has to offer – and not break the bank at the same time.
Sunderland Cocktail Week is organised by M.AD agency in partnership with Sunderland’s BIDs – which includes the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID – with 37 businesses already signed up to take part.
From Friday 30 Jan to Sunday 8 February people will be able to enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers, including cocktails from £5, additional drinks promotions and special dining deals.
And designated drivers and tee-totallers will also be able to enjoy the fun, with every participating venue also offering a mocktail alternative.
Anyone wanting to be part of the event needs to buy a wristband in advance which – when shown at the bars and restaurants taking part – will give them access to the offers.
The wristbands are £12.85p each but are currently also available at a 30 per cent discount for group bookings.
The special January offer means that buying a minimum of four bands costs just £6.95p each – a great excuse for friends or work colleagues to get together.
They are available at www.sunderlandcocktailweek.co.uk and include a booking fee.
In the city centre anyone with a wristband can use it at Ttonic, Café Floriana, Otto, Port of Call, Flower Café, Gatsby, Independent, Tosca, Fausto Coffee and The Engine Room.
Also signed up are Diego’s Joint, Ivy House Pub, Vesta Tilley’s, The Peacock, The Manor Bar, The Botanist and The 3 Stories, along with the Holiday Inn, Enfes Restaurant, The Cooper Rose, Chester's Lounge, Angelo’s Ristorante, Koji and Sloanes Sports Bar.
And visitors to Sunderland Bowl, Spacebar, Signatures Italian Restaurant and Bar, Sam’s and the Keel Tavern, won’t miss out as they are also taking part in the week.
Seafront businesses including Six, STACK Seaburn and Poetic License Bar at the Roker Hotel are also participating.
Alice Christison, event founder and director of M-ad Agency, said that: “Sunderland Cocktail Week is all about celebrating the city’s brilliant hospitality scene while giving people a reason to get out, socialise and try somewhere new.”
“ We’ve worked closely with Sunderland’s BIDs and local venues to create an event that feels accessible, great value and genuinely enjoyable for everyone,” she said. “The response from businesses across the city has been fantastic, and we’re super excited to see Sunderland come together again for another brilliant week - all celebrating the incredible industry and offering a stunning array of cocktails.”
Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland’s BIDs, said the week was the perfect antidote to the new year blues.
“The last Sunderland Cocktail Week was a huge success and we are delighted to see so many hospitality outlets from across the city participating,” she said.
“At a time of year when people want something to look forward to without having to spend a huge amount of money, the week gives everyone something to look forward to.”
Further details are available at www.sunderlandcocktailweek.co.uk, with
Wristband giveaways also taking place on @sunderlandcocktailweek Instagram page.