Organisers have hailed a restaurant week that took place in the North East month a rousing success as they say the event added £500,000 to the local economy.
Sunderland restaurant week, which ended on September 24, has been hailed as a resounding and record-breaking success after organisers confirmed the significant boost the event had to the local economy.
This equated to more than 18,000 people taking advantage of discounts and deals across more than 40 bars, pubs and restaurants in the city.
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Newcomer Rumour Has It, at Green Terrace, took part in the event for the first time – and had the most voucher downloads across the week.
Owner Lynsey Foster said she and the team had been “overwhelmed” by the experience.
We are delighted that we came top of the restaurant week download list,” she said. “We have only been open for six months and it has been overwhelming, but in a good way.
“Our business has thrived because of Sunderland BID and the support they give us and because of the fantastic team we have at Rumour Has It.
“We will certainly be taking part in the next restaurant week in March 2024 and we look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said Restaurant Week continues to be a hugely popular event in the city.
“We were delighted back in March with how successful Sunderland Restaurant Week was but to see that this time round we’ve once again grown the effect on the local economy is phenomenal,” she said.
“It has had such an impact on the dining scene in the city and gives people the opportunity to return to a favourite restaurant or to visit somewhere new for the first time.
“It’s brilliant to hear from new places like Rumour Has It what a positive impact the event has had and that is echoed across the city, where many restaurants have been packed out across the week.
“We can’t wait to start working on next year’s events and getting even more places involved.”
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