Cheers! It’s Christmas
three courses for £10.25 including mini pigs in blankets and vegan caramel swirl cheesecake.
Port of Call, at Park Lane, is also serving a festive menu with a twist in its newly-refurbished bar – give it a go and take a bite out of St Nic’s Loaded Fries or the Moist Maker (an ode to Ross’ sandwich in Friends).
Or at Gatsby, Derwent Street, you can sit down to two courses for £10 including a festive wrap and a yule log for dessert.
But, of course, Christmassy flavours aren’t just restricted to food, so why not pop into Angelo’s Ristorante, at West Sunniside, where you can sample a delicious selection of Italian tapas, along with a rather more-ish spiced pomegranate prosecco or a choice of Christmas cocktails.
Meanwhile, at D’Acqua, at John Street, panettone toast served with spiced berries compote and vanilla are just the thing to accompany a cheeky glass of wine …or two … and Ttonic, at Vine Place is running a £10 for a bottle of prosecco deal right through until Christmas.
And, of course, how could we even begin to talk about Christmas without mentioning Hadrian’s Tipi, which has made a very a welcome return to the city centre.
This winter pop-up retreat, at the old Crowtree Leisure Centre site, offers everything a hardened Christmas shopper would want on a cold day – from hot chocolate to mulled wine and hot cider.
While those popping in after dark can enjoy live music and a whole programme of events during the run-up to Christmas.
Inside you’ll find a warm log fire and cosy snug seating areas that welcome families, groups and dog owners alike.
You could also head for its outdoor Winter Beer Garden with Christmas trees and twinkling atmospheric lights or relax with friends and family in the marquee area, snug and warm and sheltered from the elements.
If you’re on the go and want something snappy to eat then you could do worse than the tipi’s Hatch 76 street food van. And our recommendation? Definitely the loaded duck fries.
So, wherever you are going in the city centre this month, there are a million reasons to eat, drink and be merry – cheers!
For further details of Sunderland’s independent shops and restaurants and to view the BID’s full Christmas programme, visit www.christmasinsunderland.co.uk