New Sunderland restaurant Prego to open in former Seaburn Martino's building - here's what to expect

By Katy Wheeler
Published 22nd Jan 2022, 04:55 BST
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An empty building on Sunderland’s coast is being turned into a new seafront restaurant, serving up Italian dishes with a twist.

The former Martino’s unit at the bottom of Dykelands Road has stood empty for the past few months after the local chain closed its seafront restaurant.

Now, it’s being turned into Prego by the owners of the building, Jet Limited.

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The site has been part of the family-run leisure firm for decades and director Solomon Reader, who runs the business with brother Gavin, says they felt strongly about keeping it in their portfolio, especially after their father Kenneth, who founded the firm, passed away at the end of last year.

Prego is to open in the former Martino's site at Seaburn. From left owner Solly Reader, finance director Scott Robson, general manager David Welsh and accountant Yana Oliphant.Prego is to open in the former Martino's site at Seaburn. From left owner Solly Reader, finance director Scott Robson, general manager David Welsh and accountant Yana Oliphant.
Prego is to open in the former Martino's site at Seaburn. From left owner Solly Reader, finance director Scott Robson, general manager David Welsh and accountant Yana Oliphant.

"We love Seaburn and this site has always been part of the family business as it was one of the first that dad bought,” Solomon explained. “When dad died and Martino’s (who leased the building) left it felt like fate to keep it in the family, that the site was coming back, and we’re really excited about bringing it back to life.”

Designers and fitters are currently working on the building to give it a new look, but it will keep its popular bar, restaurant and games room layout.

More on the decor of the site will be revealed closer to the time, but it’s said to be “eclectic.”

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Prego is expected to open mid-February, with the outdoor, dog-friendly seating area being given a new look in time for the summer.

Refurbishment works are ongoing with a view to opening as Prego mid-FebruaryRefurbishment works are ongoing with a view to opening as Prego mid-February
Refurbishment works are ongoing with a view to opening as Prego mid-February

The new menu will feature classic Italian dishes, as well as a section dedicated to mac ‘n’ cheese with different toppings as well as a range of of pizzas topped with everything from cheeseburger to hoisin duck. There will also be a vast cocktail menu in the bar.

The new look games room will feature shuffle boards, table football, retro arcade games and electronic dart boards.

Over the years, the site has welcomed a number of new seafront neighbours including House of Zen, which is also owned by Jet, as well as Seaburn Inn and Stack, which have proved hugely popular, with Stack welcoming 700,000 people through its doors in the first year of trading.