RESTAURANTS, cafes, bars and pubs on both sides of the River Wear are getting ready for visitors to pile their plates high – as the city prepares for the second Sunderland Restaurant Week of the year.
From September 5 to 13 diners from across the region can take advantage of discounted deals at dozens of top eateries.
Around 50 top Sunderland spots have already signed up to participate in the event – where diners can enjoy £10, £15, £20 and £25 offers – with more poised to take part.
The excitement around Sunderland Restaurant Week reflects the city’s fast-growing food and drink scene, which is the number one contributor in sales to the local economy.
“It’s gearing up to be one of our best events ever,” said Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland’s BIDs which organises the event.
“Sunderland has such an exciting and fast-moving food and drink scene and that is reflected in the number and variety of restaurants taking part.”
The event is now spread across both the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID, giving food lovers even more choice than ever before.
A number of the city’s newest food outlets are taking part for the first time including No 32, Wild Fire City at Mackie’s Corner, Miso House and Boca Chica.
Delicious desserts, American favourites and the best of international cuisine is on offer – meaning there is something for everyone at every time of day.
Italian lovers will be well catered for at eateries including Angelo’s Ristorante, Marina Vista and Slice, with Mediterranean favourites Acropolis and Enfes on board.
A wide variety of the city’s popular Asian restaurants are also part of the line-up, such as Asiana, House of Zen and Korean Spoon, alongside much-loved Indians such as Babaji, Goa and My Delhi.
Coffee shops and cafes are well represented, such as Café Floriana and Yard Nine, while pubs like Port of Call and Tin of Sardines are geared up with a range of deals.
The city’s hotels – Holiday Inn, Grand Hotel and 1842 at the Roker Hotel – are supporting the week and favourites such as Ember, Rio Steakhouse and SIX Pier Point have also devised their own special offers.
The city’s Healthy Plates scheme –a joint project between Sunderland City Council and Sunderland’s BIDs –will also be reflected at some of the participating outlets.
The project was launched earlier this year to explore ways in which dishes can be made healthier without compromising on taste.
Restaurants like Boba Cat Kitchen, 1842 Café and Bistro, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse and SIX Pier Point are part of the scheme and their restaurant week offerings will include a range of healthy options.
“You could literally eat somewhere different every day and night of restaurant week and still not try everywhere,” said Roberta.
“It’s a fantastic time to visit that place that’s been on your radar but you’ve never got round to – Sunderland Restaurant Week offers the perfect excuse.”
To take advantage of the offers, diners need to download a voucher from www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/restaurant-week
Sunderland Restaurant Week is once again supported by NEXUS and Marketing Manager, David Turton, is excited about the event.
We are proud to support Sunderland Restaurant Week once again,” he said.
“The event is a brilliant showcase for the city’s vibrant and growing restaurant scene, and with many participating venues easily reached by Metro, it makes it easy for people to explore all that Sunderland has to offer.”