Seaburn’s seafront pulling in visitors from across the UK
SOPHIE BROWNSON on a corner of the North East that has seen a real change for the better
IT’S been hailed the “jewel in Sunderland’s crown” and for good reason. Seaburn seafront has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years with more than £30m of private sector investment helping to turn it into a vibrant drinking and dining destination.
A range of new bars, restaurants, and even a stunning hotel, have popped up along the coastline in recent years to the delight of locals.
And the word has got out, with some business owners reporting that visitors travelling from across the North East and parts of the UK to check out its culinary offerings.
One venue that has been left blown away by the demand from customers is The Blacks Corner Tram Shelter which opened its doors in December 2023.
“We knew it was busy down there but we never expected it to be this busy,” said Jonny Dryden, who owns Blacks Corner with business partner, Chris Lowden.
“In the last seven days, we have had over 1,000 people visit us between The Tram Shelter and the kiosk, which is open from 8am every morning.
“We have had people come down from as far as Alnwick, we have had people from York and people come for brunch from Derby because they had heard of us.” It’s been a two-year labour of love for Jonny and Chris who worked hard to get the approval to sympathetically bring the former 1920s tram shelter back to life.
The Grade II-listed building stands proudly on Whitburn Road and has seen a combined investment of half a million pounds between Blacks Corner, Sunderland City Council and The Coastal Communities Fund.
Inside it can seat up to 40 people across its restaurant and bar and also has a large outdoor area with breathtaking views of the coast. Diners can choose from a farm-to-table menu championing British cheese makers and British charcuterie makers from across the British Isles.
Jonny, who also owns Blacks Corner bistro and deli in East Boldon with Chris, said: “The structure stopped being used as a tram shelter in October 1954. The council inherited the building from the old Sunderland Corporation which used to run the tramways.
“We had to structurally repair it, there was a heck of a lot of work. But to do all of that it required listed building consent.
“The building has stood as a bit of a crown on the seafront for the last 70 years. I think we came up with a really sympathetic and caring restoration process that we detailed to the council that we wanted to undertake and they were really happy with that.”
He added: “I think Seaburn is the gem of the city. It is the jewel in the crown.”
It’s a sentiment that the bosses behind The Seaburn Inn would certainly agree with.
The stylish hotel from the Inn Collection Group is located just off the promenade on Whitburn Road and opened two years ago following a £6m investment that created 40 jobs.
The venue has 40 rooms, 19 of which offer impressive sea views, and also has a bar and restaurant on its ground floor that’s popular with locals.
Last year it welcomed 12,665
guests from all over the UK and Ireland, as well as international travellers from Australia and America.
Andrew Robson, communications manager for the Inn Collection Group, said the owners were attracted to Seaburn because of its stunning coastal setting.
“Whether it’s Northumberland or the Lake District, we go for places where people want to spend their leisure time because they are nice places to be,” he said.
“Seaburn has a nice sandy beach and there’s nothing better than sitting out there and watching the [coastline] on a nice summer day.
“We get a good percentage of people who book it directly through us rather than an online travel agent. So people are coming and enjoying what they are experiencing and coming back again and again.”
He continued: “Seaburn is a vibrant area and it’s always busy. There are always people wandering around visiting the likes of STACK and seafood restaurant North.
“It’s nice to see all these things pop up and see the investment continuing and that people are coming and using it as well.”
STACK has been a key part of Seaburn’s facelift in recent years. The shipping container venue on the site of the former Pullman Lodge has been part of the area’s buzzing hospitality scene since it opened in 2020.
Since then, it has welcomed around two million customers through its doors to enjoy its food and drink offerings, as well as its range of live events and music.
And bosses say its popularity is continuing to grow, with 13,422 people booking a space in 2023 – an increase of 35% compared to the previous year.
Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “I’m really excited about the positive changes we’re seeing along Sunderland’s coastline. Turning a onceneglected area into STACK Seaburn, a lively venue open all year, has been a rewarding journey.
“We’ve created a place where people of all ages can come together, offering a mix of unique events, a range of independent street food traders, and diverse retail units. It’s all about building a sense of community.
“It’s particularly heartening to see other new businesses joining us in this area. Their arrival is creating a vibrant and quality destination that benefits everyone – locals and visitors alike.
“This growth isn’t just good for our businesses; it’s a bonus for the community as a whole. The increased variety and quality of options in the area are something we’re all excited about.
“It’s great to be part of Sunderland’s ongoing coastal regeneration, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of these developments.”
Sunderland City Council said the investment into Seaburn seafront has created hundreds of jobs and led to an increased number of visitors which has given the city’s economy a major boost.
But it doesn’t plan to stop there, with a number of other projects in the pipeline to continue to develop the area including a new play area.
A council spokeswoman said: “The recent regeneration in Seaburn has secured over £30m of private sector investment, creating over 200 direct jobs and several hundred more in the construction industry, and the supply chain that services the seafront economy, safeguarding and providing much valued career opportunities for local people.
“The development of new housing at Lowry Park and business investments such as The Seaburn Inn, STACK Seaburn, and the Tram Shelter have increased income from council tax and business rates, significantly increased visitor numbers and overnight stays, and expenditure in the local daytime and nighttime economy.
“With further investment planned in a high-quality children’s play area that will strengthen the seafront offer, Seaburn and Roker are now vibrant leisure destinations set in £15m of award-winning and wellconnected public realm that supports the city’s low carbon, and social and economic growth ambitions and have the ability to attract major events.”