Top Marks for Sunniside Businesses

Businesses in Sunderland’s rejuvenated Sunniside quarter have been recognised at three different award ceremonies, celebrating food quality, customer service and architecture.

The historic area of Sunniside is home to 160 listed buildings and has attracted more than £90 million of private investment over the past few years. It now boasts a wealth of stylish shops, bars, restaurants, entertainment and creative businesses as well as award-winning public gardens and £6 million arts and business centre thePlace.

Recently Eastern Dreams spa in Foyle Street was one of just a few small businesses in the UK to receive a national Customer Excellence Award.

The accolade is given in recognition of improving customer appreciation of a business and only a limited number of businesses are awarded annually under the programme.

A previous recipient of the award is Amore restaurant in Tavistock Place, Sunniside. – also North East Restaurant of the Year
I have just been in speaking with Gary of Café Rocco and he reminded me about the an award the Building has given - Building of Excellence 2009 (properties under £1m) award given by SCC.

Debra, owner of Eastern Dreams, said: “We are delighted to have received such a prestigious award. At Eastern Dreams we pride ourselves on giving the best customer service we possibly can. It’s all part of the experience. We want people to go away relaxed and happy.

“The awards are really relevant in the light of the current economic climate and this recognition of the high standards we provide is already helping us to attract new customers.”

Paprika restaurant in Frederick Street also picked up Best Restaurant in Sunderland and South Tyneside at the North East Restaurant Awards this month. The high profile event, which was presented in association with the Gourmet Society, saw over 500 eateries compete across 12 categories.

Spearheading the area’s regeneration programme is Sunniside Partnership, which is supported by Sunderland City Council, Sunderland arc, the Homes and Communities Agency (formerly English Partnerships) and One North East.

Ben Hall of Sunniside Partnership, said: “These awards are helping to put Sunniside on the map and establish it as a place of real quality.
“It is an exciting time for the area, with more and more consumers and businesses taking advantage of what it has to offer.”
A new credit-crunch busting Sunniside Card was recently launched to help people enjoy all that the area has to offer. It gives users 10 per cent off at any participating shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues and is part of the new Explore Sunniside campaign, which aims to encourage more people into the area.

The free Sunniside Card can be picked up from any venue displaying the Sunniside Card sticker or listed on the website www.exploresunniside.co.uk Alternatively you can contact the Sunniside Partnership offices on 0191 5674822 or email info@exploresunniside.co.uk