Tin of Sardines Roker

Name: Tin of Sardines Roker
Address: ,
Price range: £££

A gin bar serving tapas, brunch and with stunning views of Roker beach

Roker, Sunderland

www.tinofsardines.co.uk

Introduction

Tin of Sardines is a firm favourite for those looking for an all-day venue with that extra special touch. Situated on Roker Riviera, in Sunderland, Tins (as it’s come to be known by the locals) comes with stunning views of the Roker beach.

This bar, which is in an old toilet block in Pier View, is one of many disused buildings in Roker and Seaburn being brought to life through a wave of investment in the area. Tins serves up seriously good food in the form of a brunch menu and tapas menu, and also stocks a huge selection of gins – from regional, craft gin to gins from far-flung corners of the globe. It’s worth noting that as this place is a bar that serves good food, you have to order from the bar – no table service is available.

Moretti, Neck Oil IPA and Inch’s Cider are just some of the pints available and Tins has also collaborated with local brewery, Vaux, to offer its very own Tin’s Pilsner.

The venue is also a hit with dog walkers as its pooch friendly – and you’ll even find a ‘dog of the week’ on its social media pages. A range of coffees and tea are served throughout the day.

Sit on the sun-drenched terrace (when the good ol’ English weather is playing ball) and you might even spot the local pod of dolphins.

Gallery

The Food

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning cuppa and serves up a top brunch menu from 8.30am to 2pm. Dishes include Shakshuka: baked eggs on a bed of spicy sauce, tomatoes, peppers, garlic and crunchy bread; Crab Crumpet with fresh brown and white crab meat, served with Thermidor sauce; Tin’s Hash Bowl, served with crispy potatoes and onions on a bed of fresh spinach and topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Visitors can also enjoy a Full English as well as a range of toasties or ‘On Sourdough dishes’, such as poached eggs, Parma ham with Sriracha hollandaise.

Sit in the sunshine on the outside terrace, which overlooks the beach, while sipping on a G&T or enjoying tapas and it’s exactly the kind of holiday experience you’d expect in Spain. From garlic kings prawns to salt and pepper chilli squid served with pickled ginger and wasabi mayo, to brisket mozzarella bon bons and truffle parmesan potato tots, tapas dishes are not only delightful but very reasonable, too, with five dishes for £30

The Drinks

With more than 200 different gins to choose from, Tins has something to suit all taste buds. As well as gins from afar, Tins works with regional distillers – such as the nearby Poetic License which can be found just down the road. Chris, the manager, is also passionate about the pints and has worked with Vaux Brewery in Sunderland to produce a Tin’s Pilsner.

When it comes to wines, echo-friendly Sea Change is on the menu. The brand helps fund ocean conservation projects across the globe, supporting projects that turn the tide on plastic pollution – and it was a no-brainer for Tin’s to stock, with the venue being by the sea.

Bottomless Brunch at Tin of Sardines gets booked up fast – and it’s no surprise. As well as unlimited Prosecco (you can upgrade to Champagne) guests receive a superb cheese and charcuterie board. Bottomless Brunch is available Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm (last sitting is 2pm to 4pm).

Pooch Friendly

Four-legged friends are always welcome at Tins – so much so that the bar has set up a dog of the week on its Facebook and Instagram. You can even add a ‘doggie sausage to your order so the pooch can enjoy a bite to eat, too.