The North East resort has been described as the ‘jewel in Sunderland’s crown’ following a huge redevelopment project that has seen trendy bars and restaurants set up along the coastline
Seaburn, a seaside resort in the North East, has been transformed into a bustling coastal hotspot.
The area has been hailed as the “jewel in Sunderland’s crown” following a massive redevelopment project that has seen trendy bars and restaurants pop up, attracting visitors from all over. Bucking the trend of decline at Britain’s coastal resorts, more than £30m of private sector investment gave the beachfront a significant makeover in 2024.
New bars, restaurants, and even a hotel have sprung up along the coastline, much to the delight of locals. One establishment that has seen an unexpected surge in demand is The Blacks Corner Tram Shelter, which opened its doors in December 2023.
Jonny Dryden, who co-owns Blacks Corner with his business partner, Chris Lowden, said: “We knew it was busy down there but we never expected it to be this busy,” He added: “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 project for Jonny and Chris who worked hard to secure permission to restore the former 1920s tram shelter.
Now, the restaurant can accommodate 40 customers inside, with an outdoor area offering stunning views of the shoreline. Jonny, the co-owner of Blacks Corner bistro and deli in East Boldon with cohort Chris, shed light on the establishment’s history: “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.”
Offering his own sentiments, Jonny added: “I think Seaburn is the gem of the city. It is the jewel in the crown.” Echoing this pride, the owners of Seaburn Inn are not far behind in their appreciation for the locale.
This swanky hotel, which is part of the Inn Collection Group, enjoys a prime spot just shy of the promenade on Whitburn Road. Following an eye-watering £6m investment just two summers ago, the inn threw open its doors, contributing 40 new jobs to the local economy.
This hot spot flaunts 40 exquisite rooms, with almost half boasting sweeping views of the sea. Downstairs, visitors can find both a bar and a restaurant that have become beloved among the locals.
Within just the past year, the Seaburn Inn has drawn in over 12,000 guests coming from all corners, including the UK, Ireland, and even distant lands like Australia and America.
Andrew Robson, communications honcho for the Inn Collection Group, has spilt the beans on why the picturesque Seaburn caught their eye: “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,”
“Seaburn has a lovely sandy beach and there’s nothing better than sitting out there and watching the coastline on a sunny day. We get a good percentage of people who book 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.”
STACK has really spruced up Seaburn’s look in recent times. The shipping container hotspot that’s sprung up on the former Pullman Lodge plot has been making waves in the area’s hospitality game since its 2020 debut, pulling in about two million punters since.
Neill Winch, CEO at STACK, enthused: “I’m really excited about the positive changes we’re seeing along Sunderland’s coastline. Turning a once-neglected 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 stated that 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.
