Brand: Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao has become a beloved breakfast destination in the North East. Their signature bao buns – pillowly and packed with bold fillings like crispy hash browns, melty cheese, and savoury sausages offer a modern take on the classic, hangover breakfast cure. Speaking to Dave Turner, North East Area & Warehouse Manager, he explains how the brand was created for precisely that purpose.
“It started in Heaton with the idea of crafting the perfect hangover cure. And that's how the Breakfast Bao came into being – a great blend of an English breakfast sandwich inside a soft, fluffy Bao.”
But did you know they also have a branch, tucked away in Mackie’s Corner? With Newcastle covered across their well-known locations in Byker, Whitley Bay and Central, their Sunderland trailer hidden in the depths of the Sunniside development, feels like a secret treasure.
“We had considered Sunderland for some time, but couldn't find the right location to suit us. When we found Mackie’s Corner, it suited the Pablo brand so well. We love being in the mix with all the other amazing, independent businesses.”
From their base in Newcastle, they’d already expanded even further north, crossing the border into two Scottish locations on the outskirts of Edinburgh – Inverleith and Morningside. But their Mackie’s Corner plot is the first time they’ve ventured south of the River Tyne.
“Sunderland has its own unique energy, and the city is clearly starting to boom with all the regeneration efforts going on. We also love stoking the Newcastle-Sunderland rivalry between our stores.”
Despite operating for five years, and technically still in its infancy, it’s a testament to the team developing Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao for creating a business that feels established, with the ability to put its stamp on the north of the United Kingdom rapidly – a strong, recognisable brand with impeccable food. Digging deeper, Dave details the key to their success, alongside the blueprint for honing in on that repeat core customer base.
“Consistency is 100% key to our continued success. Our menu is small, so ensuring that customers receive the same high-quality product on every visit is essential to keep them coming back again and again.”
And this shines through. Drop into any of their branches, and you'll get the same top-notch service and delivery. You certainly know what you’re going to get.
What’s next, we hear you ask? For locals, an exciting collaboration has brewed. Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao recently joined forces with the iconic and historic Sunderland-based Vaux Brewery – Pablo’s first ever beer, celebrating their 1st Birthday of calling Mackie’s Corner home. And, of course, continued expansion, more locations, potential franchising opportunities, and plenty of baos.
This journal entry was a part of New Zine: Inside Sunniside [Edition III], published in Oct_25.
Headed up by commercial property landlords, Kirtley & Co., Mackie’s Corner isn’t just your regular development. Located on the cusp of the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Sunniside and the main thoroughfare of the city centre, the Grade II-listed building stands tall and steeped in history. It welcomes locals and entices tourists to what the east, and often overlooked, side of Sunderland has to offer. New Journo were commissioned by Sunniside to curate and edit the latest edition of #InsideSunniside, a local zine series celebrating the area, creating a sense of place and highlighting it as a distinct destination. Through our lens, we delve into the world of the people and business owners, on the ground in Mackie’s Corner, who contribute to the area’s fabric daily – from match days and lunch breaks to evenings and weekends. Sunderland is on the up, and Mackie’s Corner is setting the standard.