- Play Hard
- 23rd Aug 2024
- 0
- 5 minutes
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

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.

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.

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.

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.
NORTHBOUND

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.

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.

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.

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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