Use this guide as your one-stop shop for celebrating your graduation in Sunderland during graduation week (Monday 6th July - Friday 10th July).
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.
BOTANIST - EXCLUSIVE GRADUATION MENU PLUS COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF FIZZ & DESSERT
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
11am - 10pm
Saint Mary's Way, Sunderland
Choose 2 courses from their Graduation Celebration Menu featuring their famous hanging kebabs PLUS on the house Plant Pot Pudding for the Graduate and complimentary glass of prosecco for everyone on the table when you book the Graduation Celebration Menu
SPENT GRAIN - 2 COURSES & A GLASS OF PROSECCO FOR £20 FOR GRADS
Wednesday 8th - Friday 10th
11am - 3pm (plus 5pm - 9pm on Friday)
67 John Street, SR1 1QH
Spent Grain are offering up a fabulous 2 courses for only £20, which includes a glass of prosecco for all graduates. The perfect place to toast to your success!
RUMOUR HAS IT - FREE GLASS OF BUBBLY FOR GRADS
Wednesday 8th - Friday 10th
12pm - 7:45pm
6/7 Green Terrace, SR1 3PZ
Rumour Has It are celebrating in style this graduation season, offering a free glass of bubbly for graduates (18+), with a meal from their lunch or evening menu.
BOBA CAT - 10% OFF & FREE DRINK OF CHOICE*
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
241 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3DE
Boba Cat Cafe have a all-year round 10% for students plus a NEW loyalty scheme where customers get rewarded for every pound spent. They are extending their 10% OFF to friends and family celebrating the special occasion ONLY for graduation week PLUS a special offer for students to get a FREE drink of choice* if they are in their cap and gown!
EMBER - GRADUATION SET MENU
Tuesday 23rd June - 10th August
12pm - 10pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Ember are inviting graduates to celebrate with them, showcasing a fabulous 2 courses for £22 menu, or 3 courses for £27. Why not pop over to Sheepfold Stables to celebrate your achievement!
RIO STEAKHOUSE - FREE GLASS OF FIZZ FOR GRADUATE & GUESTS
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
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 at booking. Perfect for a graduation toast!
ANGELO'S - GRADUATION WEEK SPECIAL MENU
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
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.
FAUSTO - 2 COCKTAILS FOR £12
Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th
12pm - 9pm
Marine Walk, SR6 0PL
Fausto Coffee are giving graduates a fabulous 2 cocktails for £12 offer. All you have to do to claim the seafront spectacular offer is mention 'graduation' when booking a table.
MOTI RAJ - THURSDAY ONLY 4 COURSES FOR £20
Thursday 9th
5pm - 10pm
6/7 Church Lane, SR1 3PT
Besides their usual delicious menu, Moti Raj is offering an incredible 4 courses for £20 on Thursday 9th July. Just book your table now to secure your space!
VITO'S OSTERIA - 2 COURSES FOR £24 OR 3 FOR £27
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
12pm - 5pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Vito's is the perfect place to celebrate your graduation with family and friends, with their 2 and 3 course offers. Book your table now to bag 2 courses for £24 or 3 courses for £27.
SABA - SPECIALS FROM £15.95 (Sun-Thurs), £17.95 (Fri-Sat)
Available every evening
5pm - 11pm
36-38 Low Row, SR1 3PY
Why not mark the occasion with a meal at Saba and celebrate your achievement with some authentic Indian dishes with family and friends. Enjoy their exclusive specials from Sunday - Thursday, and Friday - Saturday!
THE KOREAN SPOON - EXCLUSIVE GRADUATION COMBO MEALS
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
12pm - 9pm
3 Fawcett St, Sunderland SR1 1SJ
The Korean Spoon Sunderland is running a Graduation Party Blowout, offering exclusive meal deals designed for graduates, their families, and friends celebrating this important milestone. Menu available on Instagram and Facebook
BABAJI - GRADUATION WEEK SPECIAL MENU
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
5pm - 11pm
9 Mary St, Sunderland SR1 3NH
What better way to celebrate your Graduation than with a 2 course meal at Babaji from ONLY £15 per person! Exclusive menu available for our amazing graduates!
SHEEPFOLD STABLES - FREE GLASS OF FIZZ*
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
8am - 11pm
Sheepfolds Stables, SR5 1BA
Why not pop down to the Sheepfold and get a FREE glass of fizz on the day of your graduation. Show your graduation certificate and celebrate your achievement!
ELEPHANT ROCK - 10% OFF FOOD FOR GRADUATES & THEIR TABLE
Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th July
9am – 10pm
9Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland
Celebrate your graduation at Elephant Rock and enjoy 10% off food for the graduate and everyone dining at their table during Graduation Week. Whether you're joining us for brunch during the day or pizza and drinks in the evening, gather with family and friends and celebrate your achievement overlooking Roker Beach. With great food, speciality coffee and panoramic views of Roker Beach and the coastline, Elephant Rock is the perfect place to make your graduation day even more memorable. Walk-ins welcome throughout the day. Tables for 5pm onwards can be booked via Google.
PANDA GARDEN - COMPLIMENTARY PROSECCO BOTTLE FOR GROUP DINERS
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
12pm - 8pm
25 Holmeside, Sunderland SR1 3JE
Why not mark the occasion with a FREE* bottle of prosecco?
Group of 8 (+) - 1 free bottle
Group of 16 - 2 free bottles
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 - 40% OFF ALL JULY BOOKINGS
1st - 31st JULY
11am - 11pm
141 High Street West, SR1 1HG
Sunderland Bowl is offering graduates an exclusive 40% discount off for the rest of the month. Just use code 'GRADUATE40' when booking online, for 40% off bowling, minigolf & more.
SPACEBAR ARCADE - 15% OFF ON FOOD, DRINKS & COCKTAILS
7pm - 9pm
21-23 Waterloo Place, SR1 3HT
We’re pleased to offer a 15% student discount on food, drinks, and cocktails. Spacebar is also a proud host of student societies and welcomes new groups looking for a unique venue. From quiz and comedy nights to Free Drinks Saturday, there's always something happening throughout the week!
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 Sunderland's accommodations are offering for graduation week.
THE PLACE - HALF PRICE GRADUATION RATES ON LARGE HOUSES
Athenaeum Street, SR1 1QX
The Place are a collection of Sunderland's newest group accommodations, located in the city centre. They have houses that host up to 12 guests, with modern, tasteful décor - the perfect choice to host your family & friends for graduation, in the heart of Sunderland. Rates starting from £250* per night
Interested? Contact [email protected] and quote “BIDGRAD50”
*Prices vary on different houses
HILTON GARDEN INN - BED & BREAKFAST FROM £89
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 offering exclusive room prices from £89, including breakfast. To claim this offer, click here.
HOLIDAY INN - GRADUATION RATES ON BED & BREAKFAST FROM £68
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. To claim this graduation exclusive discount, click here.
GRAND HOTEL SUNDERLAND- 15% OFF BEST AVAILABLE RATES
Vaux Brewery Way, SR5 1SN
Lined up on our stunning seafront, Grand Hotel Sunderland is the perfect place to wind down after your big celebrations. They are offering 15% off their best available rates - to claim, call reservations on 0161 923 0300 and quote 'Sunderland University'.
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.
BY RUBY WILSON - 15% OFF TREATMENTS FOR GRADUATES
107/108 High Street West, SR1 1TX
Based in The Black Door Hairdressing at Mackies Corner, By Robin Wilson is your go-to for all things nails, lashes, brows, waxing & more!
WEAR - 15% OFF STORE WIDE (CLOTHING & CAFE)
7-8 Vine place, SR1 3NE
Our city centre store offers a relaxed retail experience, serves refreshments from our SeaChange coffee bar, and hosts music, fashion and cultural events. NEW Split drinks available for £5
If you've been gifted a Sunderland gift card (or looking to gift this), why not treat yourself to all of this. The Sunderland Gift Card can be spent at over 200 businesses across the city - celebrate YOUR way!
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.