If guests staying at Thistledowne let us know their recommendations either by e-mail or by leaving a comment in our visitors book in the house then we will gladly add them to this list.
You may want to check the council food hygiene rating page: Scores on the Doors although Thistledowne's visitors appear to be fairly discerning when it comes to both where to stay and where to eat!
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The Salt House Kitchen lovely food, from breakfast to evening meal. Check which days it's open in the evening. Recommended by Thistledowne and guest Clare K. Worth booking a table on high days, holidays and at weekends. A morning stroll along the beach or promenade and then into The Salt House Kitchen for breakfast or a coffee is a good start to the day; a stroll followed by a cocktail or evening meal is a good end to the day!
The 'Old Salt' in the Salt House Kitchen
Beamish Open Air Museum recommended by Thistledowne and according to Andrew, one of our guests, "We found that following the A183 is the best way to get there".
Di Meo's Delaval Ice Cream The handmade ice cream was recommended by one of our guests, Diane. Di Meo's in Whitley Bay also gets good reviews for its pasta and pizzas
The Glass Yard the cafe at the National Glass Centre, well worth a visit. Booking advised for Sunday Lunch. Recommended by Thistledowne. Lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. If you are visiting Sunderland and want to meet up with old friends or relatives then this is the place to arrange a meet. Plenty of choice from sandwiches to full meals whilst watching ships being unloaded and healthy types walking dogs, cycling or jogging along the riverside path. From Thistledowne walk to the bottom of the street, turn right and walk along until you see the area of private parking on the left with the small path beyond. Take the path down onto the riverside and turn right to the Glass Centre. No need to go to the main entrance as you can access the centre through doors on the riverside path.
Colmans Fish and Chips, South Shields, award winning fish and chips, recommended by Jane one of our guests.
Bellini Italian restaurant in Seaburn Dene. 'Happy Hours' are Monday to Thursday 12 – 6.45pm and Friday & Saturday 12 – 5.45pm. Busy restaurant in Dovedale Road and if you take the coast road before turning up on to Dykelands Road you may feel you've passed plenty of restaurants, however Bellini's is a good family restaurant and not that far to go. Really good Italian food which Thistledowne recommends. Closes fairly early, it is so popular we recommend booking.
Karbon Grill part of the Hilton Garden Hotel at the Stadium of Light. Main courses are pretty large but tasty. Prices are a little higher than most of the restaurants on here but then it is a Hilton hotel! Recommended by Thistledowne. Surrounded by car parking so the one place in Sunderland where you won't have to worry about finding a spot to park!
The Snow Goose, North Dock, Roker A coffee shop also selling gifts and cards. Recommended by David C, one of our guests.
Minchellas Fish and Chips recommended by Thistledowne. Great for eating as you walk along the seafront but beware the seagulls!