Tunnel Vision: Culinary delights worth travelling for, on either side of the Tyne Tunnel

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We all have our favourites. The local places, often within walking distance, that we love and visit again and again. We know the menu like the back of our hand, and the staff all but know what we’re going to order. It’s cosy and comfortable.

While it’s great to embrace this familiarity, sometimes it feels good to try something a little bit different. Variety is the spice of life, after all.

The Tyne Tunnel is a super-efficient way to travel quickly between North and South Tyneside. So, if you’ve exhausted your side of the river, why not nip through the tunnel and try something a little bit different?

The North East is a treasure trove when it comes to fantastic food, with tasty delights to be uncovered all over the place.

If you’re thinking about heading through the tunnel, here are our top picks on either side.

Perhaps your new favourite isn’t as far away as you might think…

SOUTHBOUND

High Life North

North Seaburn

Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland, SR6 8AD

North is famous for its Insta-perfect brunches, tasty small plates and breathtaking views.

Come through for a weekend brunch after a long walk on the beach, or play rock-paper-scissors for designated driver duty for date night.

It’s open Wednesday-Sunday and this place is POPULAR so booking is recommended.

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High Life North

Colman’s Seafood Temple 

Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD

Colman’s Seafood Temple is the ultimate special occasion restaurant.

Fresh fish and seafood is caught daily and prepared to a high standard, served alongside delicious sides and sauces.

There’s also an Oyster & Cocktail bar in-house – a great place to start your meal or a luxurious spot for a post-beach tipple.

HLN Top Tip: Ask for the table in the bay window when booking, the view will not disappoint.

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High Life North

The Sofia 

104 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 1TX

Newly opened, The Sofia is a new brunch and lunch spot at Mackie’s Corner in Sunderland.

Local artwork, Terrazzo tables and gorgeous panelling give this new cafe a luxurious, continental feel, while the brunch menu offers something a bit different.

If hashbrowns with cheese, chives and Nduja aioli aren’t worth travelling through the tunnel for, we don’t know what is.

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High Life North

Sheepfolds

Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, SR5 1BA

Another new opening, Sheepfolds Stables, offers an eclectic mix of food and drinks, all in one place.

Here you’ll find North East favourites like Deep North, Scream for Pizza and Mother Mercy – always unmissable – and a few new things to try.

The Calabash Tree serves up sensational Caribbean food to-go, and Ember is your new date-night favourite.

HLN TOP TIP: Designated drivers will love that Mother Mercy’s Aperol and Hugo Spritzes can be made alcohol free.

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NORTHBOUND

High Life North

Riley’s Fish Shack

King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth, NE30 4BY

Nestled at the back of Tynemouth’s beautiful King Edward’s Bay is the much-loved Riley’s Fish Shack.

Grab yourself a deckchair, a fire pit, and a good group of friends and tuck into some of the North East’s most famous seafood.

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High Life North

Föda

96a Front Street, Monkseaton, NE25 8DL  

Föda is Monkeaton’s quirky ‘Lifestyle Cafe’ serving up delicious drinks and dishes with a healthy twist.

Try the Chaga Chocolate, a hot chocolate drink packed with Adaptogens, or a refreshing smoothie with added Lion’s Mane for extra focus and precision.

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High Life North

Fisherman’s Bay 

6 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP

Top 10 in the National Fish & Chip Awards in 2023, Fisherman’s Bay in Whitley Bay serves up some of the best around.

Eat them from the box whilst sitting on the beach, or dine in in their modern restaurant, and you won’t be disappointed.

HLN Top Tip: Download the Tyne Tunnels app for exclusive local discounts, including £5 off your next order on the Fisherman’s Bay app. T&C’s apply.

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High Life North

Pablo Eggs-go-bao

12 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA

If you’ve not yet tried a Pablo’s, what are you waiting for?

Now, with multiple locations across Newcastle and Edinburgh, it’s famed as one of the North East’s best breakfasts, and it’s easy to see why.

Pablo’s only makes one thing, the Breakfast Bao (veggie or with a sausage patty), but my oh my, do they do it well.

Pillowy soft bao bun, crispy hash brown, melted cheese, egg and a delicious spicy sauce all come together to make the perfect breakfast bite – definitely worth travelling for.

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Laura Kingston
Founder and Editor

Laura is the Founder and Editor of High Life North. She had the idea to set up an exclusively digital women’s magazine after feeling there was a gap in the market in the North East. With over 10 years of experience in marketing and PR, Laura had a very clear…

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