Guidebook for South Shields

Sam
Guidebook for South Shields

Food Scene

Gorgeous Indian cuisine with very friendly staff. Great for a sit in meal with lots of options not available at the other restaurants on the street. Quality of the take away is a little disappointing however, not bad but not as much love put into it as a sit down meal. Great prices with set meals starting at around £10. Very popular so booking in advance, particularly on weekends, is advisable.
Radhuni
84-94 Ocean Rd
Gorgeous Indian cuisine with very friendly staff. Great for a sit in meal with lots of options not available at the other restaurants on the street. Quality of the take away is a little disappointing however, not bad but not as much love put into it as a sit down meal. Great prices with set meals starting at around £10. Very popular so booking in advance, particularly on weekends, is advisable.
If you fancy a night in, Dilshad's take aways are better quality than that of the Radhuni. If you like basic Indian cuisine it is a lot quieter than the Radhuni too. Though this is because it does not serve alcohol. Again, lots of cheap set meals, both take aways and eat in.
Dilshad
222-224 Ocean Rd
If you fancy a night in, Dilshad's take aways are better quality than that of the Radhuni. If you like basic Indian cuisine it is a lot quieter than the Radhuni too. Though this is because it does not serve alcohol. Again, lots of cheap set meals, both take aways and eat in.
Beautiful Thai food. Very upmarket compared to a lot of restaurants in South Shields. You can expect to pay around £70 for two adults. Well worth it though if you can afford it and like Asian cuisine.
Orangegrass
3 Mount Terrace
Beautiful Thai food. Very upmarket compared to a lot of restaurants in South Shields. You can expect to pay around £70 for two adults. Well worth it though if you can afford it and like Asian cuisine.
Japanese Tepanyaki Restaurant. Beautiful food and a great atmosphere. Chefs cook meals on a large hot plate in front of you and keep you entertained throughout the evening. Meal costs vary so you don't have to spend a lot if you don't want to but again, my partner and myself would easily spend around £70 here on an evening. The restaurant also does a lunch time service however and at the very reasonable price for £10 per person you really can't go wrong!
Fujiyama Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant
35-39 Bath Ln
Japanese Tepanyaki Restaurant. Beautiful food and a great atmosphere. Chefs cook meals on a large hot plate in front of you and keep you entertained throughout the evening. Meal costs vary so you don't have to spend a lot if you don't want to but again, my partner and myself would easily spend around £70 here on an evening. The restaurant also does a lunch time service however and at the very reasonable price for £10 per person you really can't go wrong!
The same as Fujiyama. Same great quality and service with similar menus and prices.
Hanahana
45 Bath Ln
The same as Fujiyama. Same great quality and service with similar menus and prices.
Korean BBQ. This is a fantastic social experience for groups of friends. The chefs do the prep, you do the cooking. Staff bring out a hot plate and your order and you can cook it to your liking. The restaurant is quite quiet with most of the customers being the local Asian students. Staff don't have the best English but we had a friend who has a sever nut allergy and while it took a bit of explaining the staff were very patient with us asking what was in everything and she lived on to thoroughly enjoy her meal ^_^ Prices are mid range, about £20-£30 each.
Mannaza Korean Restaurant
Korean BBQ. This is a fantastic social experience for groups of friends. The chefs do the prep, you do the cooking. Staff bring out a hot plate and your order and you can cook it to your liking. The restaurant is quite quiet with most of the customers being the local Asian students. Staff don't have the best English but we had a friend who has a sever nut allergy and while it took a bit of explaining the staff were very patient with us asking what was in everything and she lived on to thoroughly enjoy her meal ^_^ Prices are mid range, about £20-£30 each.
Japanese/Sushi restaurant. Sit down at the bar or in a booth and pick your meals off the belt. If you can't see what you're after just ring the buzzer and one of the staff will take your order. Yo! is quite expensive for what you get and although it is tasty it isn't quite as nice as Fujiyama or Hanahana. However, you can't help but want it when you walk past and smell the food and it does have the added bonus of not having to wait for your food. We would usually spend around £40 at Yo! though you can bring costs down by ordering unlimited miso soup.
YO! Gateshead MetroCentre
126 Yellow Mall
Japanese/Sushi restaurant. Sit down at the bar or in a booth and pick your meals off the belt. If you can't see what you're after just ring the buzzer and one of the staff will take your order. Yo! is quite expensive for what you get and although it is tasty it isn't quite as nice as Fujiyama or Hanahana. However, you can't help but want it when you walk past and smell the food and it does have the added bonus of not having to wait for your food. We would usually spend around £40 at Yo! though you can bring costs down by ordering unlimited miso soup.
The Toby Carvery is great if you want something a little healthier and don't want to wait around. Standard carveries cost around £7 during the week and are around £10 on a Sunday. You will definitely need to book if you go on a Sunday as it gets incredibly busy. There are usually deals on such as certain desserts for £1 when bought with a carvery. They also serve other meals for those who fancy something different or for those wishing for a vegetarian option.
Toby Carvery Cleadon Village
Front Street
The Toby Carvery is great if you want something a little healthier and don't want to wait around. Standard carveries cost around £7 during the week and are around £10 on a Sunday. You will definitely need to book if you go on a Sunday as it gets incredibly busy. There are usually deals on such as certain desserts for £1 when bought with a carvery. They also serve other meals for those who fancy something different or for those wishing for a vegetarian option.
The Fountain is a Flamin' Grill pub. As such, it serves very good quality pub food (burgers, steaks, chicken etc.). The smell is very enticing when you walk passed and prices are very reasonable. They always have different deals on throughout the week such as child's meals for £1 when bought with any adult meal on a Thursday tea time. Entertainment wise, the pub has a quiz night on a Monday evening, occasionally hosts live bands and tends to show a lot of sporting events. There is also a pool table. You will find this pub situated only a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment.
The Fountain Inn
116 Highfield Road
The Fountain is a Flamin' Grill pub. As such, it serves very good quality pub food (burgers, steaks, chicken etc.). The smell is very enticing when you walk passed and prices are very reasonable. They always have different deals on throughout the week such as child's meals for £1 when bought with any adult meal on a Thursday tea time. Entertainment wise, the pub has a quiz night on a Monday evening, occasionally hosts live bands and tends to show a lot of sporting events. There is also a pool table. You will find this pub situated only a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment.
The Harvester is another good quality pub style restaurant serving similar food to the Fountain. Differences include the unlimited salad bar and the bar area is mostly used for having drink whilst waiting to be seated or after people have finished there meal. This gives it more of a restaurant atmosphere than the Fountain.
Miller & Carter Sunderland
Newcastle Road
The Harvester is another good quality pub style restaurant serving similar food to the Fountain. Differences include the unlimited salad bar and the bar area is mostly used for having drink whilst waiting to be seated or after people have finished there meal. This gives it more of a restaurant atmosphere than the Fountain.
The Wouldhave is the local Weatherspoons. My friends and I have spent many an evening here as it serves a large range of drinks including guest ales, ciders, cocktails, wine and more in addition to serving food until 11pm. It is very easy to spend your whole night here. Children are allowed until around 7pm.
The Wouldhave
16 Mile End Rd
The Wouldhave is the local Weatherspoons. My friends and I have spent many an evening here as it serves a large range of drinks including guest ales, ciders, cocktails, wine and more in addition to serving food until 11pm. It is very easy to spend your whole night here. Children are allowed until around 7pm.
Ask nearly anybody in South Shields and they will tell you this is by far the best Chinese take away in town. Brian, the owner, is very friendly and the quality of the food is fantastic. The only downsides are that there is no delivery services and it get VERY busy. Be sure to order food at least 30-60 minutes in advance on a weekend. It may also take a while for Brian to answer the phone if you ring but he does his best and it is worth the wait.
Ocean Pearl
193 Prince Edward Rd
Ask nearly anybody in South Shields and they will tell you this is by far the best Chinese take away in town. Brian, the owner, is very friendly and the quality of the food is fantastic. The only downsides are that there is no delivery services and it get VERY busy. Be sure to order food at least 30-60 minutes in advance on a weekend. It may also take a while for Brian to answer the phone if you ring but he does his best and it is worth the wait.
Chinese take away that is reasonable quality if you want delivery or don't want to wait for ages.
China Cook
67A Canterbury St
Chinese take away that is reasonable quality if you want delivery or don't want to wait for ages.
Another Chinese take away we occasionally use if we want something delivered or don't want to wait around.
Silver Star
12 Imeary St
Another Chinese take away we occasionally use if we want something delivered or don't want to wait around.
Beautiful Italian restaurant. We're not normally big fans of Italian cuisine but Pacino's is an exception. As well as tasty mains, they have a good selection of desserts and a massive selection of ice creams and they don't skimp on the portions either. Staff are very friendly and you are always offered a free shot of amaretto to round off your meal.
Pacino's
136-138 Ocean Rd
Beautiful Italian restaurant. We're not normally big fans of Italian cuisine but Pacino's is an exception. As well as tasty mains, they have a good selection of desserts and a massive selection of ice creams and they don't skimp on the portions either. Staff are very friendly and you are always offered a free shot of amaretto to round off your meal.
For amazing ice cream, get yourself along to Minchella's on a warm sunny day. There are several in the town but our favourite is the one at the band stand on the coast road. It is a lovely place to sit outside when the weather is good and there is often entertainment on at the band stand throughout the summer months. The cafe also serves toasties and drinks etc. but definitely make the focus of your visit the ice cream.
6 locals recommend
Minchella & Co
Sea Road
6 locals recommend
For amazing ice cream, get yourself along to Minchella's on a warm sunny day. There are several in the town but our favourite is the one at the band stand on the coast road. It is a lovely place to sit outside when the weather is good and there is often entertainment on at the band stand throughout the summer months. The cafe also serves toasties and drinks etc. but definitely make the focus of your visit the ice cream.

Drinks & Nightlife

If you loves your ales, the Alum Ale House is the place to be. Don't expect anything other the good quality beer or cider though. Well... maybe a packet of Hobgoblin crisps. Fantastic staff and a beer garden with beautiful views of the river Tyne.
Alum Ale House
4 Ferry St
If you loves your ales, the Alum Ale House is the place to be. Don't expect anything other the good quality beer or cider though. Well... maybe a packet of Hobgoblin crisps. Fantastic staff and a beer garden with beautiful views of the river Tyne.
Another great pub not far from the Alum. Has just as big a range of beers and ciders as the Alum but also has a much bigger range of spirits and other drinks. There is a jukebox in the main bar area and whilst any music may be played the main genre tends to be rock and metal. Again very friendly staff, go in here dressed up on Halloween and you're in for a free shot! Only downside is it gets very busy and there's no outside space.
The Steamboat
27 Mill Dam
Another great pub not far from the Alum. Has just as big a range of beers and ciders as the Alum but also has a much bigger range of spirits and other drinks. There is a jukebox in the main bar area and whilst any music may be played the main genre tends to be rock and metal. Again very friendly staff, go in here dressed up on Halloween and you're in for a free shot! Only downside is it gets very busy and there's no outside space.
If you like live music, the Trimmer's has bands on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Look out for The Mutts, the drummer is a friend of mine from college and is the heart and soul of the band. They cover everything from the 80's to the present.
Trimmers Arms and Lobster Pot Restaurant
34 Commercial Rd
If you like live music, the Trimmer's has bands on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Look out for The Mutts, the drummer is a friend of mine from college and is the heart and soul of the band. They cover everything from the 80's to the present.

Parks & Nature

There are two big parks on South Shields sea front, the South Marine Park and the North Marine Park. They are both beautiful places for picnics. The South Marine Park has a much bigger play area for the kids with two separate areas for the very young and the slightly older (and the adults too when it's not busy!). There is also a small lake where you can hire pedalos, a miniature steam train and a good sized open space where people tend to play with footballs. The North Marine Park is much quieter. There is a small play area at the top of the hill but much better suited if you want a quiet walk and good views of the area. If you're feeling fit, try running up and down the stairs that lead from the coast road to the top of the hill!
12 locals recommend
South Marine Park
2 Bents Park Rd
12 locals recommend
There are two big parks on South Shields sea front, the South Marine Park and the North Marine Park. They are both beautiful places for picnics. The South Marine Park has a much bigger play area for the kids with two separate areas for the very young and the slightly older (and the adults too when it's not busy!). There is also a small lake where you can hire pedalos, a miniature steam train and a good sized open space where people tend to play with footballs. The North Marine Park is much quieter. There is a small play area at the top of the hill but much better suited if you want a quiet walk and good views of the area. If you're feeling fit, try running up and down the stairs that lead from the coast road to the top of the hill!

Shopping

Intu Metrocentre in Gateshead is the 9th largest shopping centre in all of Europe and the 2nd largest in the UK. There is a huge range of high street shops selling books, clothes, media entertainment, electricals, homeware and more as well as several boutique shops, a cinema, an arcade, a bowling alley, bars and a newly expanded food court. Best of all parking is completely free. We would recommend avoiding trying to find a space one level 3 of any of the multi story car parks at busy times however as it is very unlikely you will get one as this is the level that leads directly into the shops. Opening times are 10:00-21:00 on weekdays, 09:00-19:00 on Saturdays and 11:00-17:00 on Sundays.
73 locals recommend
intu Metrocentre
Saint Michaels Way
73 locals recommend
Intu Metrocentre in Gateshead is the 9th largest shopping centre in all of Europe and the 2nd largest in the UK. There is a huge range of high street shops selling books, clothes, media entertainment, electricals, homeware and more as well as several boutique shops, a cinema, an arcade, a bowling alley, bars and a newly expanded food court. Best of all parking is completely free. We would recommend avoiding trying to find a space one level 3 of any of the multi story car parks at busy times however as it is very unlikely you will get one as this is the level that leads directly into the shops. Opening times are 10:00-21:00 on weekdays, 09:00-19:00 on Saturdays and 11:00-17:00 on Sundays.

Essentials

This store is only 280m from the apartment and sells a small selection of everyday items such as bread, milk, cereal, toiletries, tinned food, snacks, fruit, vegetables, alcohol and frozen foods. The store is open daily from 06:00-23:00.
One Stop Stores
110 Highfield Road
This store is only 280m from the apartment and sells a small selection of everyday items such as bread, milk, cereal, toiletries, tinned food, snacks, fruit, vegetables, alcohol and frozen foods. The store is open daily from 06:00-23:00.

Arts & Culture

The National Glass Centre in Sunderland is an art gallery dedicated to the history of glass making in Sunderland. It is quite small but there are some fantastic exhibitions and there are free daily glass blowing demonstrations and if you want, you can also pay to have a go yourself. There is a gift shop onsite with some wonderful pieces ranging in both size and price as well as an onsite cafe with a beautiful view overlooking the harbour.
21 locals recommend
National Glass Centre
Liberty Way
21 locals recommend
The National Glass Centre in Sunderland is an art gallery dedicated to the history of glass making in Sunderland. It is quite small but there are some fantastic exhibitions and there are free daily glass blowing demonstrations and if you want, you can also pay to have a go yourself. There is a gift shop onsite with some wonderful pieces ranging in both size and price as well as an onsite cafe with a beautiful view overlooking the harbour.
Centre for Life in Newcastle is a science museum. There are several exhibitions, some of which have interactive elements allowing both children and adults the opportunity to learn about the human body. Additionally, there are live demonstrations, a planetarium and a 4D motion ride, the theme of which changes every few months. Presently the centre is showcasing Dr Gunther von Hagens' fantastic Animal Inside Out exhibition giving you a wonderful opportunity to discover the anatomy of animals. During the winter, the centre also sets of an open air ice skating rink which I believe you can pay for separately if you do not wish to visit the centre itself. Opening hours are 10:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday and 11:00-18:00 on Sundays.
61 locals recommend
Life Science Centre
61 locals recommend
Centre for Life in Newcastle is a science museum. There are several exhibitions, some of which have interactive elements allowing both children and adults the opportunity to learn about the human body. Additionally, there are live demonstrations, a planetarium and a 4D motion ride, the theme of which changes every few months. Presently the centre is showcasing Dr Gunther von Hagens' fantastic Animal Inside Out exhibition giving you a wonderful opportunity to discover the anatomy of animals. During the winter, the centre also sets of an open air ice skating rink which I believe you can pay for separately if you do not wish to visit the centre itself. Opening hours are 10:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday and 11:00-18:00 on Sundays.

Entertainment & Activities

Empire Cinema is a good place to go if you want to catch a basic 2D or 3D movie. The prices are the cheapest I'm aware of in the area and even cheaper again on Tuesdays with tickets only £4 each. If you park in the adjoining Sunniside Multistory car park, parking is free when you visit the cinema or any of the other establishments surrounding the car park including the bowling alley and restaurants. Just remember to get your ticket validated before you leave whichever place you are visiting.
6 locals recommend
Empire Cinemas
4 Lambton St
6 locals recommend
Empire Cinema is a good place to go if you want to catch a basic 2D or 3D movie. The prices are the cheapest I'm aware of in the area and even cheaper again on Tuesdays with tickets only £4 each. If you park in the adjoining Sunniside Multistory car park, parking is free when you visit the cinema or any of the other establishments surrounding the car park including the bowling alley and restaurants. Just remember to get your ticket validated before you leave whichever place you are visiting.
Laser quest is great fun for kids and adults alike. Strap on your body pack, activate your laser gun and get ready for a whole lot of fun. Games usually last 20 minutes and can vary in format. You can play as teams or every man for himself. We usually buy 3 games at a time. You get a rest between each 20 minute session and can change format every game. Refreshments are available, there is a pool table which can be used between sessions and I believe they also cater for birthday parties etc. Open from 11:00-21:00 Monday-Friday, 10:00-21:00 on Saturdays and 10:00-18:30 on Sundays.
Laser Quest Sunderland
30-32 John St
Laser quest is great fun for kids and adults alike. Strap on your body pack, activate your laser gun and get ready for a whole lot of fun. Games usually last 20 minutes and can vary in format. You can play as teams or every man for himself. We usually buy 3 games at a time. You get a rest between each 20 minute session and can change format every game. Refreshments are available, there is a pool table which can be used between sessions and I believe they also cater for birthday parties etc. Open from 11:00-21:00 Monday-Friday, 10:00-21:00 on Saturdays and 10:00-18:30 on Sundays.