Foodies will once again be able to sample some of the best dishes on Wearside as Sunderland Restaurant Week gets set to return.
Restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars across the city are lining up to take part in the initiative which will be held from 7 to 15 March.
And not only can customers enjoy great food at affordable prices, but it is hoped the event will give a welcome boost to the local economy.
A rapidly growing list of city centre and seafront venues is taking part in the week, organised by Sunderland’s BIDs and supported by Tyne and Wear Metro.
Among them are city centre Restaurant Week regulars Asiana, Rumour Has It, Babaji, Angelo’s Ristorante and I Scream for Pizza, at Sheepfolds.
While, at the Seafront, Goa is once again taking part, alongside Fausto, Marina Vista, Seaburn Bay, House of Zen and Acropolis.
All will be offering deals priced at £10, £15, £20 and £25 which it is hoped will bring new visitors to the city as well as regular customers.
Last year’s event attracted 16,997 diners with an estimated economic impact of £509,000.
And Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland’s BIDs, is hopeful of matching – and possibly exceeding – those figures.
“Sunderland is renowned for the breadth, quality and diversity of its hospitality sector,” she said.
“The city centre and Seafront have an abundance of independent restaurants, bars and cafés, specialising in a wide variety of cuisines and dishes.
“And one of the great aspects of Restaurant Week is that it encourages people to try somewhere new without worrying they’ll break the bank.
“It’s also a great opportunity to return to a favourite place and possibly sample something a little different to usual.”
David Turton, marketing manager at Nexus, said: “We are pleased to continue supporting this important initiative, reflecting the growth of Sunderland’s vibrant restaurant sector.
“With Metro providing convenient connections across Tyne and Wear, customers can enjoy Restaurant Week with ease.”
Businesses wanting to be involved are invited to email info@sunderlandbid.co.uk and vouchers can be downloaded //sunderlandbid.co.uk/restaurant-week
