From stores with divine oak flooring, to coffee bars with endless palm plants and Victorian pubs with period lounge rooms, these Wearside establishments are pretty easy on the eye…
The Ship Isis
Image: instagram.com/the_ship_isis
This stunning Sunderland pub that’s been named after the Egyptian goddess was beautifully restored back in 2011 and it’s a Victorian sight to behold.
First built in 1885, this three storey pub with decadent lounge rooms is elaborately decorated and features incredible stained-glass windows, art nouveau friezes and a beautiful bar area adorned with period lighting and ornate wood furnishings.
It’s been a hive of activity in recent weeks down at The Ship Isis. This is mainly down to the fact that they have been sourcing far and wide for some of the North East’s finest lagers, cask ales and Belgian beers.
Local Sunderland business, Wildfire Pizza, have taken up kitchen duties at The Ship Isis for the foreseeable future and their hand-stretched and freshly cooked pizzas have been taking Wearside by storm since launching at Holmeside Coffee in 2020.
Head here, immerse yourself in it’s stunning features and tuck into a beautiful pepperoni pizza and a pint or two – you know it makes sense.
Coffeehaus
Our list of 10 Sunderland businesses with amazing interiors wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Coffeehaus.
A relatively newcomer to Sunderland’s vibrant coffee shop scene, this rustic store on St John Street in the city centre boasts a welcoming atmosphere that’s complete with a stripped-back, sleek Scandinavian vibe.
Expect a warm and welcoming interior with a stripped-back, sleek Scandinavian vibe – making it the perfect spot to hunker down and treat yourself to a refreshing iced latte this summer.
With delicious coffee, cool art, plants, craft beers and more in abundance, Coffeehaus is a worthy entry on our list.
808 Bar & Kitchen
Another Sunderland business with an amazing interior is the fantastic 808 Bar & Kitchen on St Thomas’ St, Sunniside.
Since arriving in Sunderland a few years back, this lot have been serving up some pretty incredible tapas dishes as well as creating some beautiful cocktails and their floral interior is one that we’ve seen many a time on Instagram.
Think elegant, leather turquoise booths, stunning foliage hanging overhead and a luxe bar area that’ll rival any fancy restaurant down London.
A luxe addition to Sunderland hospitality scene, this place is brimming with feel-good food, nice drinks and a cracking vibe. One to visit on your Sunderland Vibe amazing interiors tour…
instagram.com/808barandkitchen
The Dun Cow
Image: facebook.com/duncowsunderland
Over the road from Sunderland’s historic Empire Theatre and standing tall in a Grade II listed building, The Dun Cow offers a contemporary twist on a traditional pub and it’s an iconic name in Sunderland heritage.
An Edwardian building that’s one of the rarest of its kind in the UK, The Dun Cow is sectioned off into three main areas and it’s richly decorated with delicate Art Nouveau-style woodcarving and various plaster elements.
The beautiful bar has stunning detailing and the side entrance led to the lobby boasts a curvaceous screen with stained glass panels dividing it from the main bar.
The original dark wood and stained glass panelling and hand-carved Edwardian backbar allow you to take a step back in time, however don’t be fooled by the history of this place.
They have an extensive drinks menu that’s bang up to date with tons of handpicked craft and real ale choices. What a combination!
Master Debonair
Image: instagram.com/masterdebonair
We’re bending our own rules a bit with this one, but Master Debonair’s soon-to-be store at Mackie’s Corner will have one of the city’s finest interiors and it just had to feature on our Vibe guide.
Master Debonair have been painstakingly restoring this 19th century building back to its original state for the past few months now, and they’ve taken the time and effort to restore original brick walls, preserve an original Victorian staircase and even stripped back the wood flooring to give it a new lease of life.
The attention to detail takes a little longer than a standard fit out, but this brilliant local business from local lad Simon Whitaker will be blossoming into something truly wonderful very soon.
Undisclosed
Sunderland’s beautiful new gastro restaurant certainly hits the mark if you’re looking for an interior with the wow-factor.
The newly refurbished restaurant is an enticing emporium that incorporates cosy low level lighting, plush velvet seating and striking oak tables throughout.
Coming in at a cost around £60,000 Chef Patron, Christopher, was inspired by the hidden bars he visited during his time in Australia and he wanted to bring the speakeasy influence to Undisclosed, which is why there will be little outside branding to give the restaurant an exclusive feel.
It’s located in the basement of 28 John Street, it feels like a Michelin-Star Scandi restaurant and it has a groundbreaking gastronomy menu as well as molecular cocktails.
Keep an eye out for Sunderland Vibe’s exclusive review – it’s coming soon!
facebook.com/RestaurantUndisclosed
Spice Empire Sunderland
If you’re looking to update your Insta-feed with a few beautiful food snaps in a pretty restaurant, look no further than Spice Empire in the city centre.
A favourite among food bloggers as it is those who know a thing or two about sensational Indian food, Spice Empire’s restaurant boasts a beautiful flowery and modern interior that’s paired with equally tantalising food offerings.
Don’t miss this City restaurant as it offers you stunning spaces filled with plant installations and serving up innovative cocktails alongside hearty bites.
instagram.com/spiceempire_sunderland
Luciano’s Ristorante
You may be surprised to see this name on our list, but the eagle eyed among you will know that the devil is in the details over at Luciano’s.
An iconic name across Wearside and one that 99% of Mackems will have enjoyed at some point, Luciano’s is regarded by some as part of Sunderland’s culture as much as the Stadium of Light is now and serves up some of the best Italian food in the North East.
Alongside incredible red sauce pastas, garlicky chicken dishes and so on, think rich, burgundy decor straight from a scene out of The Sopranos or Big Night, as well as authentic posters that depict everything from Italian pasta recipes to an image of the man himself, Luciano Pavarotti.
Add in a touch of low-level lighting, an open kitchen hatch that entices people to watch all the action and you really feel at home at this Sunderland institute.
Don’t just take our word for it – head there and find out for yourself why it made it onto our list…
lucianosrestaurantsunderland.co.uk
The Engine Room
Offering sleek interiors with industrial elements that nod back to Sunderland’s rich industrial heritage, The Engine Room opposite Vesta Tilly’s and Mexico has one of the finest interiors anywhere in Sunderland.
With muted lighting, vintage vibes and a beautiful kitchenette area adorned in white tile, The Engine Room is a stunning restoration of Sunderland’s old Fire Station and it’s renowned for serving great food and a vast range of premium drinks.
It’s part of Sunderland Culture’s new development, The Fire Station, a multi-million pound venue that’ll attract some of the biggest names in live music, as well as the arts and culture sector to the city.
Who would you add to our Sunderland establishments with amazing interiors list? Stay in touch with the latest Sunderland news and updates. Twitter: @SunderlandVibe, Instagram: @SunderlandVibe, Facebook: @SunderlandVibe.
