- Play Hard
- 1st Jul 2026
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Inside Mackies Corner: Sunderland’s independent destination that’s fast becoming our summer obsession
- Advertisement Feature
Sunderland city centre has needed a spot like Mackies Corner for a while.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a great coffee, browse beautiful independents, book yourself a treatment just because, linger over lunch in the sunshine, and somehow still feel smug because you’re supporting local. Mackies Corner is exactly that.
And this spring/summer? It’s about to get even better.
That iconic Grade II listed Victorian landmark has already become one of Sunderland’s most exciting independent destinations, but the big talking point this season is the new outdoor space transformation.
Good news, Mackies Corner is revamping its full outdoor seating area with a European-inspired feel – think fresh planting, relaxed alfresco dining, sunny lunch spots and that laid-back social atmosphere that makes you want to stay for just one more drink.
THE MACKIES CORNER’S VIBE
Whether it’s coffee in the morning sun, brunch that turns into afternoon drinks, parents enjoying a peaceful lunch while little ones are at art workshops, or post-work pizza and prosecco with friends, Mackies Corner is creating the kind of city-centre lifestyle destination we’ve been missing.
Inside, the beautifully restored building is home to 28 independent businesses, spanning standout food spots, beauty destinations, shopping, wellness and creative businesses – all bringing serious energy back to the high street.
And it’s only growing. The upper floors are nearing completion too, introducing stylish flexible workspaces with high-speed internet, communal breakout spaces and focused work zones, making Mackie’s a place where work and social life blend seamlessly.
In short? We’ll be spending a lot of summer here.
FOOD
Wild Fire City
Authentic pizza al taglio with handcrafted slices, bold toppings, and relaxed city dining vibes. Whether it’s a quick lunch stop or evening catch-up over pizza and wine, this one’s a must
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao
North East brunch favourite serving their famous breakfast baos, loaded hash browns, and top-tier coffee. The kind of place that turns a “quick coffee” into a full brunch situation
Crave
Fresh deli-style lunches, stacked sandwiches, salads, and flavour-packed grab-and-go food – perfect for office lunches, shopping pit stops or sunny takeaway lunches outdoors
The Fat Unicorn
Independent deli packed with artisan produce, cheeses, wines, and carefully selected local food finds. Perfect for elevated lunching, wine nights and foodie browsing
Sweet Petite
Family bakery whipping up sweet treats, celebration cakes, and indulgent afternoon tea from their pretty tiny cake shop. A dream for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.
BEAUTY
Self Medical Aesthetics
Professional aesthetic and skin treatments focused on natural-looking, confidence-boosting results in a sleek, welcoming setting. Read more here.
The Black Door Hairdressing
Boutique hair salon offering expert cutting, colour, and modern styling in a relaxed space that feels effortlessly cool.
SHOP
Ashbrooke Home
Curated interiors, gifts, and beautiful home accessories for stylish everyday living. One of those places you pop into “just for a look” and inevitably leave carrying something gorgeous
Soul Bride
Modern bridal boutique offering fashion-forward gowns and a luxury yet relaxed dress-shopping experience for brides wanting something truly special. Read more here.
DIGITAL CREATIVES AND RECRUITMENT
HOLISTIC THERAPIES AND ART WORKSHOPS
WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
Mackies Corner is becoming much more than somewhere to shop or grab lunch.
From collaborative run clubs with local businesses to evening events hosted by food favourites, there’s a growing social energy around the space that makes it feel alive.
And with live music at Mackies Corner landing on Saturday 4th July, there’s even more reason to get it in the diary.
Expect seasonal menus, sunshine socials and plenty more to come.
WHY VISIT THIS SEASON?
There’s something about Mackie’s in warmer weather that just works.
Maybe it’s brunch in the sunshine. Maybe it’s a little independent shopping followed by a treatment. Maybe it’s ending the day with wine outdoors with friends.
Whatever it is, Mackie’s feels like the kind of city-centre destination Sunderland has long been waiting for – vibrant, social, stylish and full of independent energy.
With more than 200 people working from the building daily, fresh outdoor social spaces and a brilliant mix of businesses, it feels like just the beginning to save our local high street.
Mackies Corner, High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
HIGH LIFE NORTH’S TOP TIP: There’s currently only half of the basement remaining, which is scheduled to be renovated by 2027. So, if you’ve got an independent business idea brewing, now might be your moment.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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