Two operators add to Riverside Sunderland
Loungers has submitted a licencing application to bring Varo Lounge to the now fully occupied Keel Square, while a pair of restauranteurs are preparing to open pizza venue No.32 and Riverside Café at The Beam.
National operator Loungers will move into the final commercial unit beneath the Holiday Inn in Keel Square.
Meanwhile, restaurateurs Tamer Hassan and Vittorio Farigu have taken space for two venues at Sunderland’s mixed-use office development.
The two lettings support Sunderland’s wider regeneration programme by bringing more high-quality food, drink and leisure destinations into the city centre.
Varo Lounge will join The Botanist, Flower Café, and Keel Tavern to complete the hospitality offer around Keel Square.
Meanwhile, No.32 builds on the success of Tamer Hassan and Vittorio Farigu’s Ember and Vito’s Osteria at Sheepfolds Stables.
The new venue will bring pizzas and cocktails to Riverside Sunderland in a jazz-inspired setting.
The latest additions build on Riverside Sunderland, where investment in commercial space, residential developments, public realm and leisure destinations is aiming to attract interest from businesses looking to invest in Sunderland.
The city’s new Culture House is also expected to open later this year, complementing the new restaurants and venues opening around Keel Square.
Cllr James Jackson, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Creating a thriving city centre isn’t just about building new homes and offices. It’s about creating places where people want to spend their leisure time too.
“These two new arrivals are another important step in building a vibrant hospitality offer that gives residents more choice while encouraging more people to spend time in Sunderland city centre.
“We’re bringing together a strong mix of respected national brands and ambitious independent operators, creating destinations that complement one another and add to the energy we’re seeing across Riverside Sunderland.
“With Keel Square now fully occupied and exciting new businesses opening across the city centre, Sunderland’s leisure offer continues to go from strength to strength.”
