The Guide: Sunderland

Often labelled ‘a city by the sea’ – Sunderland is known for its beautiful coastline, industrial heritage, and, of course, being football obsessed with home and away games driving the culture, mood and its inhabitants. 

As mentioned in Inside Sunniside [Edition III], Sunniside is a repeatedly overlooked borough. And, until recently, Sunderland as a whole has been routinely seen as secondary, with tourists choosing to visit the neighbouring cities of Durham and Newcastle for nightlife, a broader hospitality offering, and cultural events. But with the recent injection of central government funding for regeneration, alongside the recent promotion of Sunderland A.F.C. back to the Premier League, and the city joining the Music Cities Network (only the second UK city, after Manchester, to become a member), there’s a buzz and excitement for what’s to come.

In celebration of #InsideSunniside’s release, we’re shining a light, not only on Mackie’s Corner, but even more of Sunniside and the broader city in our latest edition of The Guide.

Credit: The Bridge Hotel Vaults

Credit: Gavin Selby [Ashbrooke Home]

Credit: Wild Fire

Pop Recs | Sonny’s

Tucked in the heart of Sunderland's Sunniside neighbourhood, Pop Recs CIC and Sonny’s form an independent cultural duo that is prolific on the east side of the city. Pop Recs, a music and arts venue founded by the iconic homegrown band Frankie & the Heartstrings in 2013, began as a vinyl record shop and quickly became a central part of the close-knit community. From grassroots gigs to touring bands, photography exhibitions and gig nights, a few years back, they became home to Sonny’s - a speciality coffee shop and kitchen offering seasonal sarnies, in-house baked focaccia, adding another string to the Community Interest Company’s impeccable bow. 

The Sofia

It’s almost impossible to write an introduction for the powerhouse that is Sophie Wearmouth, because her list of achievements is endless. With her partner, Joe Collins, the two head up a fair chunk of the independent hospitality scene in Sunderland (alongside Joe’s business partner, Josh Wild). If you don’t know their names, you will have dined in at least one of their businesses without a doubt. From the coffee-serving Little Shop to the pizza-slinging Wild Fire and the burger-flipping Nobody, Sophie recently went solo, setting up her own standalone eatery, The Sofia at Sunniside’s Mackie’s Corner – read all about the cafe-meets-restaurant in Sophie’s New Angles interview.

Fat Unicorn

Fat Unicorn have been a Sunniside staple at Mackie’s Corner for years. A general store filled with artisan cheese, charcuterie, wine, craft beer, and pantry basics, the delicatessen has always been ahead of the curve. With Sunniside continuing to evolve and the broader city of Sunderland undergoing a period of exciting regeneration, the fine food specialists remain not only a best-kept secret for locals but also a much-loved drop-in for their neighbouring businesses – more details on Fat Unicorn in the latest edition of #InsideSunniside.

Ashbrooke Home

Meet the mother-daughter duo behind Ashbrooke Home: Michaela and Matilda. The homeware store-meets-coffee hangout takes pride of place on Mackie’s iconic corner and has been a beautiful and widely successful addition to the growing neighbourhood of Sunniside. Born in Sunderland, the business has blossomed from Ashbrooke to now the city centre, and you can find everything from blankets to ceramics, candles to stationery – and of course, their signature floristry. In the latest edition [III] of Inside Sunniside, we chat to the founders about their love of the coastal city, why they chose Mackie’s Corner to house the expansion of their brand and what it’s like working together. Pick up a copy now while the limited-edition run lasts - a print-only interview.

Crave

Earlier this year, new kids on the block, Crave, took Mackie’s Corner by storm when they opened their doors to the public. They fit the bill for any on-the-go lunch-time craving – very apt for their brand name – serving up delicious, homemade focaccia and mouthwatering salads. Think takeaway convenience, but make it healthy. They believe a great sandwich should be more than the often-overlooked midday meal – it should be an experience. That’s why they’ve created a wholesome, flavour-packed sandwich just for us. Want to know how to compile their ultimate signature sandwich – fresh and full of flavour? Thankfully, we’ve got the inside scoop in the latest edition of #InsideSunniside - only in print.

Credit: Vaux Brewery

Credit: Propa

Credit: Art Fund

[Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens]

Credit: Emily Birkett [Crave]

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Hear from Dave Turner, North East Area & Warehouse Manager, who delves deeper into Pablo’s empire in our Brand series.

Little Shop

It’s the ideal kiosk for all things coffee, pantry and oven-baked goodness. Nestled in the city centre, Little Shop, as it’s so aptly named, is a small but mighty addition to the Sunderland hospitality scene, and has been around for years, building a loyal customer base that continues to be our regular drop-in. Here you’ll find everything from Tillingham Wines to Vaux Beer, and Perello olives to Torres crisps. In a rush? Running through the city centre in between meetings? This is your one-stop shop.

Wild Fire 

Wild Fire is the pizza everyone in Sunderland is talking about – originally a pop-up at The Ship Isis, they now have their own open kitchen in Deptford. Good luck nabbing a table here – this is a popular spot for locals, so booking is essential. Known for their Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired pizza adorned with the best toppings from nduja to burrata and plenty of hot honey, we like to palate cleanse with a tiramisu and limoncello to sign off the dining experience.

North

North – Sunderland’s answer to all things seafood is perched just above the sandy dunes of Whitburn, but still just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. A tapas-style offering of locally sourced fish and crustaceans, served in a casually sophisticated yet welcoming environment with large windows, lets you eat while watching the tide come in and the waves crash. The sound of the sea adds an element of character and charm, and as it’s off the beaten track, it’s the ideal place to unwind and dine, and it was given the incredible accolade of making it to The Good Food Guide Top 100 in 2025.

Credit: Ember

Credit: Nobody

Credit: Little Shop

Sheepfold Stables 

Once a Victorian railway stableyard, the Sheepfolds Stables has been reborn as the city’s new hotspot for food, drink and cultural hub — a Grade II-listed patchwork of cobbles has been transformed into a delightful cluster of bars, small-plate kitchens and hosting live events that feels both rooted in heritage, but with a modern approach. Since opening in 2024 as part of the wider Riverside regeneration, it’s pulled crowds with makers markets, independent restaurants and big-screen sport, all stitched together by a courtyard that’s lively from lunch through late night. With the launch of Keel Crossing in the latter half of 2025, it has become the main thoroughfare from the city centre through to the beating heart of the city - the Stadium of Light. As a part of The Guide, we’re profiling Ember and Propa, but you cannot go wrong with doughnuts from Deep North, a quick pizza slice from I Scream For Pizza, or a little tipple from the newest addition to the fleet – The Wine Bar. There’s plenty more to choose from, too!

Ember 

With spectacular views over the River Wear, Ember feels like fine dining at an affordable price. The kitchen prides itself on using seasonal ingredients, and the destination even received a nod from The Good Food Guide. With an ever-changing menu that changes menu and a new theme every month, Ember is the least bit restrictive. You could dine here often and never get tired of its offerings. From Warsaw to Northumberland, and Hong Kong to America, you can travel the world from your home city, mixing global flavours with local pride. It’s one for all, and our recommendation for that post-match special occasion meal. 

Propa

The brainchild of chef, TV personality and Northern legend, Si King of the Hairy Bikers, Propa is the over-the-counter comfort food that has been doing the rounds on social media since opening. It is everyone’s new pre-match pie ritual: serving up the nostalgic British classic with regional ingredients. Grab yours from the wooden hatch, wash down with a beverage within the Sheepfolds Stables quarters and stand around one of the fire pits in the courtyard to devour. It’s your casual, quick, on-the-go option without compromising quality. 

The Bridge Hotel Vaults 

This time last year, we were privileged to attend the soft launch of the latest addition to Sunderland’s redevelopment, The Bridge Hotel Vaults – a historic pub dating back to the 1700s. Previously occupied by the Lambton family and later known as Lambton House, it underwent various phases, becoming a pub in 1820 before officially closing in the 1990s. At one point, Charles Dickens lived there. Carrying on the legacy, after a renovation by the Directors of Vaux Brewery and Pop Recs, the Grade II-listed building is now our new go-to for pre-match pints. Currently offering a range of craft beers produced by the brewery itself, their food offering is headed up by Midnight Pizza Crü in the back room.

Credit: Jack Prew

Credit: North

Credit: Pop Recs | Sonny’s

Credit: Black’s Corner

NOBODY | The Ship Isis

Headed up by the Wild Fire team, comes Sunderland’s refined fast food offering, located in The Ship Isis – a firm football pub favourite amongst Sunderland A.F.C. supporters. Taking over the public house’s kitchen, NOBODY flips smash burgers stacked in brioche buns, deep-fries JFC chicken tenders, and whips up plenty of sides with a plethora of dips, creating ample mix-and-match opportunities. It’s your alternative pub dining experience, for eating in or even taking out.

Black’s Corner 

Black’s Corner in East Boldon was a home cook’s playground. Their deli in the residential suburb of Sunderland’s city centre sold British farmhouse cheese, charcuterie, and fine wines that championed slow craft and sustainability. In Dec 2025, they closed the doors to their deli, but on the same street, their restaurant and wine bar remain open, where you can try their curated artisanal offerings in a relaxed, eatery-style format, along with an array of hearty to lighter seasonal dishes – perfect for brunch. Down at Seaburn, the team has given a Grade II-listed Victorian tram shelter a new lease of life as a seaside culinary nook. There, amid cast-iron fretwork and wooden accents, you’ll find cheese-rich sharing boards to crostini crab on sourdough — washed down with wine, coffee and scenic views of the seafront.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens has been the city’s cultural heartbeat for what seems like forever – a glasshouse brimming with an abundance of plants, and the indoor galleries take you from prehistoric fossils to works by some of Britain’s most significant artists – L.S. Lowry being one, who found solace in Sunderland, capturing industrial landscapes. In the gardens, wind your way up to the top floor for views of Mowbray Park, and enjoy nature in the centre of the city.

Vaux Brewery Taproom

You can find them on tap or being used at many other venues around the North, from Propa to The Ship Isis and Wild Fire to The Bridge Hotel Vaults, but did you know they had their own taproom where you could try everything from their pale ales to stout directly from the source? Closed for the 2025/2026 season, Vaux Brewery will be back soon with a new location and ready to go for match days. If you’re a craft-beer devotee, then Vaux is the only one you need to try. Although for locals, this will not be a new discovery, as they’re every Mackem's favourite beer. Placing this one on your radar, and your future self will thank us later. 

Read New Zine: Inside Sunniside [Edition III] for more Sunderland.