BREAKFAST, brunch, lunch and dinner are on the menu from this weekend (7 March) as Sunderland Restaurant Week is set to return.
And among the many favourites are a host of new recruits, signed up to take part for the first time – which is great news for diners from across the region.
Around 50 venues are participating this time round, including newcomers, Ember at the Sheepfolds and The Korean Spoon, at Fawcett Street.
Tamer Hassan, owner and Chef Patron of Ember said the restaurant felt the time was now right to take part.
“When we first opened, our main focus was on establishing Ember’s reputation and building strong foundations as a new business,” said Tamer.
“At the time, we were conscious that Restaurant Week could make us exceptionally busy, and we didn’t want to risk putting too much pressure on the team or compromising the standards we were working so hard to set.
“Now, 18 months on, we feel much more established and confident in what we do. It feels like the right time for us to be part of such a brilliant event and to give something back to the community that has supported us so strongly since day one.
“We’re excited to welcome new guests through the door and showcase what Ember is all about.”
Rachel Meng, owner of The Korean Spoon which – despite just being open since last year – is already proving a huge hit for restaurant goers and is also glad to be involved.
“We’re delighted to be taking part in Sunderland Restaurant Week for the first time,” said Rachel.
“The support we’ve received since opening has been incredible, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming both new and returning customers to discover our authentic Korean cuisine during the week.”
The week – which is organised by Sunderland’s BIDs which includes both the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID and is backed by Nexus – showcases the city’s fast-growing food and drink scene.
Diners are able to take advantage of a whole host of offers priced at ?10, ?15, ?20 and ?25, covering a number of different cuisines.
Mediterranean fans can enjoy food at Angelo’s, Vito’s Osteria at the Sheepfolds, I Scream for Pizza, Antico and Roma, along with Acropolis at STACK Seaburn and pizzas at Diego’s Joint.
Those who love a good curry will also be well served throughout the week, with special deals at My Delhi, Goa, Mumbai Silk, Saba Maison De Luxe, Babaji and The Chesters Lounge.
Wider Asian cuisine is also strongly represented, courtesy of Asiana, Koji and House of Zen.
Most of the city’s best loved pubs and bars are also taking part, such as The Keel Tavern, Gatsby, Port of Call, The Shipwrights and The 3 Stories.
Coffee shops including Fausto Coffee, Esquires Coffee, The Mad Hatter, The Coffee Snug at the Chair, Caf? Floriana, 1842 Caf? and Bistro have all come up with delicious offers – as has Ashbrooke Home where visitors can have the added benefit of browsing the fantastic homeware.
Doughnut specialists Deep North at the Sheepfolds are also sweetening the deal by taking part, as is Sweet Petite, Yard Nine and the Seachange Caf? at Wear.
Other cuisines represented include Turkish, courtesy of Enfes, the international buffet at Panda Garden, Mexico 70 and the ever-popular Rio Brazilian steakhouse.
Rumour Has It, always one of the most popular choices for the week, is back on board, as is Spent Grain, with Seaburn Bay, Burger Drop, Six and the Grand Hotel all providing a range of deals.
Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland’s BIDs, said this Sunderland Restaurant Week is offering one of the most diverse selection of places to eat.
“Sunderland’s food and drink scene continues to go from strength to strength and that’s reflected in the sheer range of cuisines we have on offer this time round,” she said.
“From traditional English favourites to cakes and a cuppa to the very best of food from across Europe to more far-flung flavours – we really have something for everyone.”
To take advantage of the offers, diners need to download vouchers which are available at www.sunderlandbid.co.uk/restaurant-week.