Tasty memories of Joplings’ Xmas breakfasts
WERE YOU ONE OF THE CHILDREN WHO GOT TICKETS FOR THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST? CAN YOU REMEMBER MEETING SANTA CLAUS AS WELL AS BEING TREATED TO A MAGICIAN’S PERFORMANCE
Here’s some tasty memories of a Sunderland tradition from the 1980s.
Who remembers the Joplings’ Christmas breakfast?
Here are some scenes from 1985 and 1986 where children clearly loved meeting with Santa Claus.
Our 1985 scenes show the excitement in the Joplings restaurant where children got to collect their gifts.
But that was not the only fun as the children were also entertained by magician Martin Duffy that year.
The children could not believe their eyes when the skilled magician pulled a rabbit out of a hat.
Our report at the time said: “Joplings, in conjunction with Sunderland Rotary Club, laid on the fun and games.
“Stars from the Sunderland Empire panto, Sleeping Beauty, also popped in. Do you remember the Joplings’ breakfasts?
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We also have photographs from 1986 and 1980 and they clearly show the delight on the faces of the youngsters as they get involved with everything from receiving presents to helping with magic tricks.
To serve as a reminder of those great days, here are some tasters of the top gifts you could buy at Joplings in the 1980s.
In 1985, the Great Gorgon toy was £12.99 and skate boots were £15.99.
You could see Santa Claus in his grotto twice a day on weekends and from 1.30pm to 5pm on a weekday.
Zoids were another popular toy with children and while you were browsing round the shelves, you could buy tickets in advance for the breakfast event.
Joplings had just as many
attractions for adults over its five floors.
And you could get them right up to 9pm on the Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
To share your memories, email chris.cordner@jpimedia.co.uk.