So you’re going to a gig in Sunderland, but the doors don’t open until 7 and you haven’t had anything to eat yet. You’re dressed for a night out, so there’s no point wasting your outfit on hanging around outside the venue for ages. There are so many delicious food options in Sunderland, so here is your go-to guide on where to eat before a gig, and line your stomach for the alcohol you may or may not consume throughout the night.
Get your scran on at…
Koji
The best choice for Asian fusion food in Sunderland, Koji, is located on Church Street, facing the Fire Station, and only a minutes walk to The Peacock; so whether you’re off to see a touring band like Pale Waves, or a feel-good covers band like the Brit Pack, Koji has you covered.
With menu items such as melt-in-the-mouth gyoza, and their specialty ramen (two for one on Tuesdays) there isn’t any room to go wrong with your choice here, and it’s very reasonably priced too.
Nobody
You can’t get any closer to The Ship Isis than inside the pub itself, and that’s where you can find Nobody. Whether you like a classic beef burg, or are more of a fried chicken fan, Nobody is your go-to. Their signature combo gets you a burger with all the trimmings, a portion of medium-cut fries, and two strips of the juiciest fried chicken ever with your choice of dip; classic ketchup, ranch, or hot sauce to name a few.
Otto
Disclaimer: I work at Otto as a barista but if you’ve ever been to a gig at The Bunker you can’t deny that this place has the chill, cosy vibes that so many other cafes can only wish they had on an evening.
Otto does have a cocktail menu, but they may as well just have a sign saying ‘If we have it, we’ll make it for you’, and with a wide selection of drinks, you can pair anything with a toastie or sandwich of the day at this dedicated cafe hotspot for Sunderland’s music hub. All hot food is made fresh to order, and as part of the CIC element of The Bunker, you’re doing good by dining here.
The Botanist
Keel Square is home to some of the higher-end establishments in the city, but in my humble opinion, The Botanist is the stand out. Their hanging kebabs are famous, but the eatery provides a whole range of delicious options to choose from. The small plates deal is not to be missed, with plenty of choice on the menu, or if you fancy something bigger, they offer classic meals such as fish and chips, burgers, and schnitzel. With an impressive floral decor to match their name, it’s the perfect place to eat before heading off to a gig at The Peacock, Vesta Tilleys, or The Three Stories down the road.
The Botanist Website (Sunderland)
Midnight Pizza Crü
Pop Recs in Sunniside is ever so slightly out the way of the other regular gig hosts, but that by no means suggests there aren’t any class scran options nearby; one of these is Midnight Pizza Crü, which has only recently made High Street West its brick and mortar home. Their signature Detroit-style pizzas are a loved staple of the Sunderverse, and the minds behind it are constantly coming up with new menu options to choose from. And they sell merch!
Pho 179
Here’s the big one, Independent (Inde, Inde-P, etc…) There are so many options that I could write about for this venue, but Pho 179 is the one that stands out. As Sunderland’s top Vietnamese restaurant situated right around the corner from Inde, you’re in for fast service and an abundance of choice. The affordable small eats menu allows you to order a few different dishes if you can’t choose just one, or their larger, traditional Vietnamese dishes will fill you up without breaking the bank.
Honourable takeaway mentions:
La Mensa (Holmeside)
Fel Fel (Silksworth Road)
Bakers Oven (Holmeside)
These are just a few of the fantastic places you can get your scran on before a gig. There are so many food and drink spots in and around the city of Sunderland that suit all types of budget, and there are plenty of takeaway and fast-food options if you don’t fancy a sit-down dinner (or want to arrive at the venue early to get to the front).
Got another favourite, or want to let us know about a particularly good feed? Let us know! Send us a message on Instagram @ganonsun
