- Play Hard
- 22nd Aug 2025
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The coolest places in Sunderland right now
Cool coffee, arcades and culture with bite – Wearside is rewriting the script, and it’s time to get in on it.
Now undeniably exciting – Sunderland is having a serious moment. This seaside city has been quietly building something special. With new businesses, indie hangouts and creative spaces opening up across the city, there’s a real buzz – and it’s one powered by community, coastlines, and a fierce sense of pride.
So, if it’s been a while since you wandered around Sunderland (or if you’ve never looked beyond the Stadium of Light), let us introduce you to the spots that locals already love and visitors should have on their radar. From beachside brunches to record-shop gigs, here are 10 of the coolest places in Sunderland right now.
The Fire Station
High St W, Sunderland SR1 3HA
An architectural stunner and cultural game-changer, The Fire Station is the city’s beating artsy heart. This former Edwardian firehouse has been transformed into a multi-arts venue, hosting everything from touring theatre to jazz nights, spoken word and some seriously big gigs in its sleek auditorium. With the adjoining Engine Room bar serving pre-show cocktails and local bites, it’s the go-to for culture with a side of class.
The Good Apple Café
18 Derwent St, Sunderland SR1 3NU
Vegan or not, The Good Apple is a must-visit. Think vibrant brunches, hearty soups, and cakes so good you’ll want to lick the plate – all in a welcoming, dog-friendly space filled with plants, zines, and chatty locals. They’ve got an honesty library, vintage wares, and a menu that champions sustainability and flavour in equal measure.
Wild Fire Pizza
Hanover Place, Sunderland, SR4 6BY
This super cool pizza spot is home to some of the tastiest pizza and small plates in Sunderland. Popular for its huge range of tasty options – made fresh to order in the open kitchen, it’s hands down one of our favourite casual dining spots. Don’t miss out on the small plates (the crispy crushed potatoes will change your life).
Canny Lad Pub
12-14 Green Terrace, Sunderland SR1 3PZ
A modern reboot of a classic corner pub, The Canny Lad blends traditional Irish charm with contemporary touches: games room, laidback acoustic nights and wickedvalue pints (seriously, £2 sometimes). Warm, lively and community minded.
Port Independent
Unit 4 Saint Thomas’ St North, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1QD
Stylish streetwear, niche records, quirky accessories – Port Independent is where fashion meets community. Part boutique, part café, part event space, it’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves indie brands, great design and good coffee. Their “buy less, buy better” ethos is a refreshing antidote to fast fashion, and the vibe is pure cool without trying too hard.
The Elephant Tea Rooms
Fawcett St, Sunderland SR1 1BB
This grand Hindu–Venetian gothic building isn’t just beautiful – it houses Sunderland’s Local History Library. Fully restored in 2024, it’s a stunning architectural gem now open as a cultural resource. Expect sweeping staircases, intricate woodwork and serious heritage vibes.
Fausto Coffee
Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland SR6 0PL
Coffee with a sea view? Yes please. Fausto Coffee is the ultimate beachside café – bright, bold and full of cyclists, creatives, and salty-haired surfers. With a cracking brunch menu and rotating artwork on the walls, it’s a chilled hangout with serious style points. Grab a table outside on a sunny day and watch the world (or waves) go by.
Pop Recs
172-175 High St W, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1UP
More than just a record store, Pop Recs is the cultural backbone of Sunderland’s music scene. Originally launched by Frankie & the Heartstrings, it’s now an event space and gig venue all rolled into one. Expect vinyl, vintage furniture, banging playlists, and a rotating lineup of local talent – all served with a flat white on the side.
SpaceBar Cocktails & Arcades
8 Signal House, 21-23 Waterloo Pl, Sunderland SR1 3HT
Equal parts arcade, retro bar and nostalgic hangout, SpaceBar is the kind of late-night haunt where you can play console games, tokens-in-Guitar Hero and sip cheap cocktails – all two floors of geeky good vibes. It’s a Sunderland staple for anyone who loves playful evenings.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Burdon Rd, Sunderland SR1 1PP
Yes, it’s a classic – but Sunderland Museum is having a quiet renaissance. Alongside fascinating local history, you’ll find a lush indoor garden filled with exotic plants, regular exhibitions showcasing local artists, and the famous Wallace the Lion (ask any local). It’s wholesome, beautiful and always worth a revisit.
The verdict?
Sunderland isn’t just “up-and-coming” – it’s here, and it’s seriously worth shouting about. With its blend of sea air, homegrown talent, and creative energy, the city is carving out a unique space that’s fresh, proud, and full of soul.
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