Your University Graduation is a celebration of all of your hard work and achievements – a truly unforgettable day.
We want all graduates and their visiting family and friends to have an incredible experience in Sunderland for their special day, so we have put together this handy guide with lots of things to do, places to stay, sights to see, and venues to eat, drink, and celebrate during the week of 8 - 12 July 2024.
For even more special offers and discounts, download the Sunderland City App for Android or Apple now!
Restaurants
RUMOUR HAS IT
Special offers for graduations!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 21.00
6/7 Green Terrace, SR1 3PZ
With beautiful, spacious booths and delicious menu items, Rumour Has It is also offering 2 for £12 on selected cocktails & a 2 courses for £12 meal deal!
SPENT GRAIN
Special offers for graduations!
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 15.00
67 John Street, SR1 1QH
A place to eat, drink & relax within the heart of Sunderland City Centre. Great food in a relaxed environment.
DR Q'S FOOD FACTORY
Special offers for graduations!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
16.00 to 23.00
24 Holmside, SR1 3JE
A family-style grill & mocktail bar restaurant offering high-quality food, including GRILL CHICKEN | BURGERS | STEAKS | WRAPS | DESSERTS | MOCKTAILS, and much more. This graduation week, enjoy 15% off your bill!
ROMA
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 21.00
13 Mary Street, SR1 3NH
Roma Sunderland offers a magnificent combination of modern and classic Italian dishes, simple and delightful and are created using the best freshest ingredients.
TOSCA
Wednesday – 12.00 to 13.45
Friday- 12.00 to 21.30
25 Derwent Street, SR1 3NU
A combination of great food and fantastic service, along with a warm and friendly atmosphere, means that you will experience a true Italian welcome every time you dine at Tosca.
ENFES
Friday
12.00 to 21.30
3 Derwent Street, SR1 3NT
Enfes Turkish Restaurant brings the authentic taste of Turkey to the heart of Sunderland. It provides a kicked-back dining experience with proper Turkish food.
ASIANA
Thursday & Friday - 12.00 to 14.00
Echo Building, SR1 1XD
Glass-fronted restaurant exploring the flavours of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
MARCELLO'S
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 20.30
5 Albion Place, SR1 3NG
Marcellos Restaurant serves a wide range of authentic Italian dishes with a contemporary flair. It has received many awards and nominations over the last twenty years and showcases Italy's gastronomic heritage with critically acclaimed pizza, pasta, and meat or fish dishes.
APERITIF
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 2.00 am
7 High Street West, SR1 3EX
Aperitif is easily accessible and convenient for those looking for a fine dining spot. The establishment also offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the sun.
HOLIDAY INN
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
24 Hours
Keel Square, SR1 3DS
This fantastic new hotel on Keel Square offers all sorts of dishes all day, every day! The salads, in particular, stand out from this menu.
THE BOTANIST
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 10.00 to 23.00
Thursday – 10.00 to 1.00 am
Friday – 10.00 to 2.00 am
Keel Square, SR1 3DS
Home to timeless experiences, this Gastropub-style restaurant offers kebabs, brunch, and botanical cocktails in an exciting interior located in the heart of Keel Square.
NANDOS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.30 to 22.00
118 High Street West, SR1 1TX
Afro-Portuguese chain restaurant serving flame-grilled chicken in a variety of spicy (and not-so-spicy) chilli sauce.
ANGELOS
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 14.00
48 West Sunniside, SR1 1BA
Angelo’s Happy Hour menu is the perfect choice for a light lunch. You can also choose from the list of traditional Italian sandwiches, including Romana, Caprese, and Porchatta.
MY DELHI
Friday
13.00 to 22.00
39 Borough Road, SR1 1PL
This fun, vibrant, and eclectic restaurant serves up authentic favourites inspired by the roadside stalls of Delhi.
CITY BISTRO
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 14.30
Sunderland College, City Campus, Park Lane, SR1 3NX
Sunderland College students support all of the services at City Bistro. Rest assured, you’ll always be in safe hands; the students are led by industry professionals, and your custom feedback is a key part of their learning. City Bistro offers a high-end experience without the high-end price tag.
PREMIER INN - THYME RESTAURANT
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
1-3 Hind Street
Whether you fancy Sirloin Steak fresh from the grill or classics like Chicken Katsu Curry and Beef & Ale Pie, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Premier Inn restaurant, Thyme.
KARBON GRILL
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.30 – 21.30
Vaux Brewery Way, Monkwearmouth, SR5 1SN
Located outside the Stadium of Light at the Hilton Garden Inn, offering a range of dishes from Light Bites to the finest Grilled Steaks and Burgers.
Bars & Pubs
808 BAR & KITCHEN
Special offers for graduations!
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 17:00 - 23:00
Friday 11.30 – 00.00
21 St Thomas Street, SR1 1QD
Tapas, Bao Buns and Light bites galore! This gorgeous upstairs venue has cosy booths and beautiful decor. Enjoy 10% off your bill and a free glass of prosecco for you and each of your guests this Graduations Week!
PORT OF CALL
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.00 to 22.00
1-3 Park Lane, SR1 3NX
Port of Call is a premium bar & grill located in the heart of Sunderland, with weekly Express Menus with delicious, affordable specials.
GATSBY
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9.30 to 19.30
13-14 Derwent Street, SR1 3NT
Large corner bar with two floors, weekly specials at great prices, traditional pub-grub and a relaxed vibe.
CHAPLINS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 00.00
40 Stockton Road, SR1 3NR
A warm and welcoming traditional pub, with homegrown produce used in most of their dishes.
COOPER ROSE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8.00 to 00.00
2-4 Albion Place, SR1 3NG
The Cooper Rose is a Wetherspoon pub which offers a range of meals and offers, as well as freshly ground Lavazza coffee.
TTONIC
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 3.00 am
12-13 Vine Place, SR1 3NE
Pizzas, burgers, salads, pub grub and more, Ttonic Bar and Kitchen has something to please everyone.
THE EMPORIUM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.00 to 00.00
20 Vine Place, SR1 3NE
A prime spot for light bites and loaded fries, The Emporium has great value, freshly made food.
THE OLD VESTRY
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 19.00
23 Fawcett Street, SR1 1RH
Traditional pub servicing delicious freshly made food.
LIFE OF RILEY
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.00 to 1.00 am
3-5 Green Terrace, SR1 3PZ
A quirky and interesting venue, with colourful decor and excellent special offers on the food menu.
THE ENGINE ROOM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.30 to 23.00
9 High Street West, SR1 3HA
Sitting inside the lovingly restored Old Fire Station, in the heart of Sunderland’s cultural quarter, the Engine Room serves great-quality food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
THE PEACOCK
Thursday & Friday
12.00 to 19.00
287 High Street West, SR1 3ES
A stunning family-run Edwardian public house in the heart of Sunderland's Culture Quarter. Serves open sandwiches, soups, burgers and more.
DIEGO'S JOINT
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.30 to 14.30
27 Norfolk Street
A modern bar, coffee house, and events space located in the up-and-coming Sunniside area, it serves a range of ethically sourced products in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
BARGE & BARREL
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9.00 to 23.00
3-4 Burdon Road, SR1 1QB
Yates Sunderland is in the heart of Sunderland city centre. This pub offers great-value food and drinks and daily food specials.
WILLIAM JAMESON
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8.00 to 00.00
30-32 Fawcett Street, SR1 1RH
Named after William Jameson, who laid out Fawcett Street and the surrounding roads on behalf of the Fawcett family, the William Jameson is a Wetherspoon pub which offers a range of meals and offers, as well as freshly ground Lavazza coffee.
KEEL TAVERN
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11.00 to 23.00
Keel Square, SR1 3DW
The perfect setting to enjoy the very best in craft beer and wholesome, honest food. The bar boasts a handpicked lineup of rotational cask, keg and bottled beer from the northeast and beyond. The food menu served daily has been carefully curated by their Head Chef to showcase local & seasonal pub grub at its best.
Cafes
LUCKY CAT BOBA
Special offers for graduations!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 17.00
241 High Street West, SR1 3DE
Independent cafe serving bubble teas & slushes, speciality coffee, luxury ice creams & sundaes, bubble waffles, American-style pancakes and more! Enjoy 10% off your order!
GOOD APPLE CAFE
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 15.00
18 Derwent Street, SR1 3NU
Sunderland's first 100% vegan cafe with lunch options, including healthy wraps and bagels, as well as other hot vegan food options.
CRUMB ON IN
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9.00 to 16.00
8-10 Holmeside, SR1 3JE
A lovely little tearoom within Harrison & Brown Furniture Shop offering handmade cakes, pies, cheesecakes, toasties, sandwiches and more!
THE GLASS ONION BISTRO
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9.30 to 16.00
33-34 Blandford Street, SR1 3JJ
Wholesome, home-cooked food. Something for everyone.
NUDO SUSHI BOX
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.30 to 19.00
Unit 57 The Bridges, SR1 3LE
Nudo's philosophy is to serve healthy, quality food in a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere with friendly and attentive service at reasonable prices.
GREGGS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
18 Fawcett Street, SR1 1RH – 7.00 to 19.00
Phoenix House, Union Street, SR1 3BT - 6.30 to 20.00
CAFFE NERO
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
7.00 to 18.30
The Bridges Shopping Centre, St Retail Park, New Market, SR1 3LE
Casual coffee shop with a menu of light dishes & specially blended hot & cold drinks.
COSTA
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
7.00 to 17.30
26 Market Square, SR1 3HW
The counter-service coffee chain offers hot drinks, iced coolers, sweet snacks, and sandwiches.
ESQUIRES
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9.00 to 16.30
The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland SR1 3DR
Ethical coffee chain with a community spirit. A selection of fresh, delicious food that reflects local tastes and favourite bites.
STARBUCKS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
7.30 to 17.30
The Bridges Shopping Centre, SR1 3DR
Along with a fantastic selection of coffee, there is a wide choice of fresh food, including sandwiches, salads and yummy cakes.
WENDY'S PLACE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.30 to 16.30
58 Fawcett Street, SR1 1SE
Committed to providing Sunderland with delicious homemade food, utilising traditional cooking methods made with only the freshest ingredients, this menu will tantalise your taste buds.
BREW & BAKE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8.00 to 17.00
City Hall, SR1 3AA
The Brew & Bake menu focuses on tasty, nutritious, high-quality, sustainable food and drinks. All items are either freshly made on-site or sourced from quality local suppliers.
THE KEEL LOUNGE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 15.30
72-74 High Street West, SR1 3DW
Independent, welcoming cafe serving Sandwiches, paninis, cakes, scones, jacket potatoes, lasagne, chicken burgers, full English Breakfast, salads, crumpets, homemade soup, porridge, muffins and hot drinks.
BIZ-R
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8.00 to 17.00
99-100 High St W, SR1 3BY
Family-run coffee shop, great coffee, homemade cakes, paninis, toasties & sandwiches
CAFE FLORIANA
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 16.00
1-2 Burdon Rd, SR1 1QB
The local coffee house serves Pumphrey speciality coffee and tea, lunch, brunch, and Mediterranean-style eats.
FAT UNICORN
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 16.00 (Friday until 18.00)
Mackies Corner, SR1 1TA
General store & delicatessen serving artisan cheese, charcuterie, pies, sandwiches and more.
BETSY JENNY WELLBEING CAFE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
10.00 to 16.00
30 Bridge Street, SR1 1TE
A vibrant, well-being cafe, open to all. Daily specials, nutritious dishes and tasty treats.
SEA GLASS CAFE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
08.00 to 17.00
211 High Street West, SR1 1UA
The Seaglass Cafe is an intimate Cafe in Sunderland with a great, Allergen-friendly selection.
Hotels & Accommodation
PREMIER INN
1-3 Hind St, SR1 3QD
0333 003 7893
HOLIDAY INN
Keel Sq, SR1 3AW
0191 707 0900
HILTON GARDEN INN
Vaux Brewery Way, SR5 1SN
0191 500 9494
TRAVELODGE
Low Row, SR1 3PY
0871 984 6050
Leisure & Activities
Sunderland Bowl
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11:00 - 23:00
141 High Street West, SR1 1TR
Bowling, Mini Golf, Shuffleboard, Smart Darts, Beer/cider/soft drink Pong, Shooting Range, American Pool, Table Tennis and more!
Omniplex Cinema
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
11:00 - 23:00
4 Lambton Street, SR1 1TP
Catch the latest movies and classic re-releases. It is the perfect place for lovers of the big screen, and for just £11.99 per month, you can get a ticket to every movie with MyOmniPass.