Spent Grain

Community cuisine

Tucked away on St John Street Sunniside, Spent Grain is a sleek, contemporary restaurant serving up modern bistro dishes that prides itself on local neighbourhood vibes. Matthew Thomas spent an afternoon with owner Michael Jameson to find out more…

Sunderland is undergoing a radical transformation. It’s clear to see that our business sector is booming, a gamechanging £18m culture venue has opened and a raft of independent businesses have joined Sunderland’s ever-expanding pool of local ventures. One of the busiest spots for soaring activity in recent months has been at St John Street. What was an abandoned unit left derelict for some time, local lad and kitchen maestro, Michael Jameson, is on a culinary crusade to expand Sunderland’s hospitality offering through a new venture with business partner, Julie Gibson. Having already found success on Wearside with The Urban Terrace Kitchen Deli in Pallion, Michael has opened Spent Grain with a completely overhauled offering that has already proved to be a major hit in Sunderland. So much so, he’s opened a second site named The Pickled Radish. Spent Grain is the place for small plates, off-the-cuff specials and hearty mains that offer a delicious mix of flavours and locallysourced produce unlike anywhere else in the city. Michael and the team have made their mark on this unit. It's an enticing, intimate and airy space without that sense you're sitting on top of fellow diners, with a vibrant finish that makes for a cosy affair. The skylight above the bar is a standout feature and amplifies the space beautifully. With access to some of the finest produce around, the food here is top-notch. Delectable nibbles include beef tacos with chipotle mayonnaise, ham hock terrine and a delightfully-refreshing spinach and goat’s cheese frittata. An incredibly moreish bite. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or cocktail specialist, you'll love it at Spent Grain as both are vitally important to their offering. Coffee beans come directly from Fika Coffee in County Durham and a rich flat white makes it oh-so-easy to while away the hours here, whereas stronger sips such as the espresso martini is deliciously indulgent, the old fashioned packs a fruity punch and the mojito is guaranteed to warm the cockles. Another equally clement plate brings tender beef that’s been braised for eight hours, a zingy watercress salad that’s punctuated by a healthy dollop of salty French fries and a radiant roast tomato. Other mains include a pearly piece of cod fresh from the North Sea. This is accompanied by a colourful pea and leek risotto before a generous helping of smoked cheddar to add a sharp contrast to the lightness from the cod. A labour of love, Spent Grain is a perfect example of what a local, neighbourhood bistro looks like in the modern age. A comfortable hangout, a place where local people can bond over fresh food made by chefs desperate to please, a hub where come nightfall, it takes on a speakeasy vibe where people can converse with quality drinks. You’ll not find any slap-dash meal, lacklustre service or flashy vibes here, it’s a place that goes against the grain.

A REAL LOCAL AFFAIR OFFERING THE BEST THAT THE NORTH EAST HAS TO OFFER, YOU CAN FIND SPENT GRAIN AT: 67 JOHN STREET, SR1 1QH

WIN A BOTTLE OF GIN AND NEW NOVEL FROM GLENDA YOUNG WITH SUNDERLAND VIBE!

Gin and a gripping new Sunderland saga! We’ve teamed up with Sunderland bestselling author Glenda Young and House of Ruhr to offer one lucky winner a prize steeped in the Wearside’s mining heritage.

Glenda Young, who hit the UK Top 50 Bestsellers List with her last book ‘The Paper Mill Girl’ continues to shine a light on the North East, in particular the coal mining heritage of Ryhope village in her dramatic new gritty saga, The Miner’s Lass. House of Ruhr, whose brand, although distilled and bottled in Germany, bears a strong local connection to the region. Wanne-Eickel (the town where the distillery is based) is known for its rich coal mining heritage and the Renton gin is named after House of Ruhr’s owner, Sunderland based Bryn Jones’s, maternal, great, great grandfather Captain James Ogilvie Renton, who was lost at sea in 1871, after leaving the North East with a cargo of coal.

TO ENTER OUR PRIZE DRAW, HEAD ONLINE AND SIGN UP TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER @ SUNDERLANDVIBE.CO.UK

Terms and conditions: One winner will receive 1 x 500ml bottle of Renton gin and a copy of The Miner’s Lass by Glenda Young, 3 runners up will receive a copy of The Miner's Lass. Winner will be chosen by Sunderland Vibe, and Sunderland Vibe T&C’s apply. Entrants must be over 18 years old and proof of age will be required on redemption of the prize. No monetary value will be given. Prize to be collected by the winner from Allies Group offices. houseofruhr.co.uklendayoungbooks.com

A FAIRYTALE WEDDING

The Sea Hotel’s newly refurbished Bramhall Suite is ideal space for the best day of your life. In the heart of South Shields’ seafront, overlooking the picturesque South Marine Park and Littlehaven Beach, your wedding-by-the-sea will be the start of a lifetime of beautiful memories.

If you have any further queries about our wedding services or package options, get in touch today on: 01914270999

£1,600

The Sea Hotel, Sea Road, South Shields NE23 2LD www.seahotel.co.uk