Use this guide as your one-stop shop for celebrating your graduation in Sunderland during graduation week (Monday 12th January - Friday 16th January).
We have compiled a list of some of the incredible discounts and offers available to University of Sunderland's graduates and their guests. From health & beauty spots in the run up, to places to eat and drink on your big day, or accommodation for visiting friends & family - Sunderland has it all!
Eating & Drinking
Take a look at a selection of some of the incredible offerings from Sunderland's local businesses.
PORT OF CALL - EXCLUSIVE 'CONGRATS THE GRADS' MENU
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
11am - 8pm
1-3 Park Lane, SR1 3NX
Port of Call has a huge graduation specials menu, from their signature loaded fries, to flatbreads & parmos. They are offering graduates and their guests 2 courses for £20 or 3 courses for £25. As well as their usual weekly specials and 'Wing Wednesday'!
RUMOUR HAS IT - FREE BUBBLY & DESSERT FOR GRADS
Wednesday 14th - Friday 16th
12pm - 4pm Lunch, 4pm - Evening Menu
6/7 Green Terrace, SR1 3PZ
Rumour Has It are celebrating in style this graduation season, offering a free glass of bubbly for graduates and guests (18+), and a free desert for graduates, minimum purchase of a main meal required.
ENFES - GRAD SPECIAL 2 COURSES FOR £17.95
Tuesday 13th - Saturday 17th
4pm - 6pm Tuesday - Thursday, 12pm - 6pm Friday & Saturday
3 Derwent Street, SR1 3NT
Enfes Turkish Restaurant brings the authentic taste of Turkey to the heart of Sunderland. They are offering an incredible 2 courses for £17.95 to all graduates.
EMBER - FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & 2 COURSES FOR £22
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
12pm - 5pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Ember are inviting graduates to celebrate with them, showcasing a fabulous 2 courses for £22 menu, as well as a free glass of prosecco for each dining guest.
DEEP NORTH - 15% OFF
9am - 4pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Deep North Sheepfolds are offering a generous 15% discount to all graduates during graduation week, perfect for your coffee and doughnut fix!
MEXICO 70 - 3 TACOS FOR £13
Tuesday 13th - Thursday 15th
12pm - 3pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Mexico 70 have an incredible 3 tacos for £13 deal on throughout January. The perfect pre or post grad bite to eat - discounts can be claimed via the The Sunderland App.
TAP ROOM - FREE GLASS OF PROSECCO
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
10am - 10pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
The Taproom are asking that you show your digital ceremony ticket to receive a free glass of prosecco to celebrate your big day.
RIO STEAKHOUSE - FREE GLASS OF FIZZ FOR GRADUATE & GUESTS
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
12pm - 9pm
1 Low Street, SR1 3PY
Rio Steakhouse is offering a free glass of prosecco to graduates, and all guests at their table, when they quote 'Graduation' in the special requests. Perfect for a graduation toast!
ANGELO'S - GRADUATION WEEK SPECIAL MENU
Monday 12th - Saturday 17th
12pm - 6:30pm
48 West Sunniside, SR1 1BA
Angelo's Ristorante & Cocktail Bar are offering a lunch special menu between 12pm and 2pm from £12. Then from 2pm until 6:30pm, they have a graduation exclusive early bird offer for all graduates & guests.
KOJI - 10% OFF GRAUATE & GUEST BILLS
Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th
12pm - Late
High Street West, SR1 3PT
Koji are offering not only 10% off your bill, but 20% student discount on all takeaway orders, AND they have happy hour cocktails (2 for £14).
BOBA CAT KITCHEN - FREE DRINK FOR GRADUATES & 10% OFF
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
9am - 4:30pm
High Street West, SR1 3DE
Boba Cat Kitchen are offering any free drink to graduates in their cap and gown, with the purchase of food (min £10pp). They are also extending their 10% student discount to include graduates family and friends for graduation week only!
ROKER HOTEL - GRADUATION WEEK DEALS
Monday 12th - Saturday 17th
12pm - 3pm/4pm
Roker Terrace, SR6 9ND
Roker Hotel have some great offers to enjoy during graduation week. Afternoon tea is 2 for £20 between 12pm - 4pm (must pre-book). They have coffee and cake for £5 between 12pm - 4pm, and a free soft drink with the purchase of a main meal from 12pm - 3pm. T&C's apply.
MCDONALDS - FREE MEAL FOR GRADUATES
Monday 12th - Friday 16th
11am onwards
248-250 High Street West, SR1 3DE
McDonald's on High Street West are offering a free extra value meal for graduates when buying three other extra value meals. A great option for a quick bite to eat on your big day.
Things To Do
If you're looking for a little bit of entertainment to celebrate your hard work, there's lots to do in Sunderland. From the Omniplex Cinema to SpaceBar arcade. Take a look at the exclusive discounts available to graduates below.
SUNDERLAND BOWL - 25% OFF ALL JANUARY BOOKINGS
1st -31st January
11am - 11pm
141 High Street West, SR1 1HG
Sunderland Bowl is offering graduates an exclusive 25% discount off for the rest of the month. Just use code 'GRADUATE25' when booking online, for 25% off bowling, minigolf & more.
SPACEBAR ARCADE - FREE SPEEDQUIZZING
Thursday 15th
7pm - 9pm
21-23 Waterloo Place, SR1 3HT
Why not pop along to SpaceBar Arcades FREE Speedquizzing? With the chance to win cash prizes, it is the perfect way to chill out after your graduation.
Accommodation
If you're looking for somewhere for your guests to stay during graduation, the accommodation scene in Sunderland gives plenty of choice. Take a look at some of the fabulous discounts that the hotels of Sunderland are offering for graduation week
HILTON GARDEN INN - £89 BED & BREAKFAST
Vaux Brewery Way, SR5 1SN
Based just over the new keel crossing, the Hilton Garden Inn is a great choice of accommodation for guests to the city. They are kindly offering an exclusive room price of £89, including breakfast. To claim this offer, call 0191 5009494 and quote 'Winter Grad'.
GRAND HOTEL - 15% OFF BEST AVAILABLE RATES
Queens Parade, SR6 8DB
With stunning seafront views, the Grand Hotel is a fabulous option for your guests to unwind after your ceremony. They are offering 15% off their best rest for room only, bed and breakfast, and dinner, bed and breakfast. To claim this offer, call the team on 0161 923 0300 and quote 'University of Sunderland'.
HOLIDAY INN - £89 BED & BREAKFAST
Keel Square, SR1 3DS
Only a couple of minutes away from The Fire Station, the Holiday Inn on Keel Square is the perfect resting spot for your friends and family visit our city for graduation. They are offering a discounted rate of £89 per room, including breakfast. The discounted rate can be booked through the following link: Holiday Inn Graduation Rate.
Health, Beauty & Shopping
Finally, when thinking about the preparation for the big day - don't forget the amazing health, beauty & retail offerings that Sunderland has. From shopping for your outfit in The Bridges Shopping Centre, or the many independent shops in the city, to securing that perfect hairstyle in one of the many salons across the city, Sunderland has it all for your graduation.
All that's left to say is a huge congratulations to you all, the class of 2026!
We hope you have had the most wonderful time studying here in Sunderland.