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About

Situated it the picturesque surroundings of Roker

A place to eat, a place to drink and a place to enjoy…

Welcome to These Things Happen, Sunderland’s premier bar and restaurant destination offering a unique blend of exceptional food, vibrant entertainment, and stunning waterfront views. Nestled in the heart of Roker, opposite the picturesque marina, our establishment is a haven for locals and visitors alike, seeking memorable dining experiences and unforgettable moments.

“Join us and discover why we’re more than just a place to eat and drink; we’re a destination where unforgettable memories are made.”

Meet our team

Meet the incredible team at These Things Happen! From our talented chefs crafting delectable dishes to our friendly servers ensuring your experience is top-notch, every member plays a vital role. Behind the bar, our mixologists concoct delicious drinks, while our support staff keeps everything running smoothly. Together, we’re dedicated to providing you with unforgettable moments and exceptional service.

Contact Us Today

Whatver you need we are here to help, use the form to drop us an email….

About us

These Things Happen was born from a long-held vision of businessman Walter Veti JNR and his family, who have owned the site since the 1990s. After the closure of their motor business five years ago, Walter saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the Sunderland seafront, creating a space that blends great food, drinks, and entertainment.

The team transformed the space into a two-level bar with a stunning balcony offering beautiful views of the Marina. “It’s great to finally be open and show people what we’ve done,” Walter said at the time. “The reaction from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and the bar has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.”

Serving food all day

At These Things Happen, we serve delicious food morning, noon, and night, offering a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes. Our menu includes everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunches and indulgent dinners.

Using fresh ingredients from local suppliers, we’ve become known for our burgers, steaks, prawns, mussels, and more. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or sitting down for a meal with friends, our food menu has something for everyone.

Events and live music

The bar is more than just a place to eat and drink. We’re proud to host events most weekends, including live DJ sets, local bands, and special performances.

Our music policy embraces a variety of music genres such as soul, funk, disco, and house, bringing energy and atmosphere to your night out; however, we are also keen to embrace energetic live singers and a range of bands performing Rock n Roll, Indie and Rockabilly. And it doesn’t just stop at live music! We also have a range of events all year round such as Clairvoyance evenings, Painting workshops, Christmas craft sessions and more, which makes These Things Happen your perfect venue.

Dog-Friendly Atmosphere

We love our four-legged friends! 

These Things Happen is a dog-friendly bar and restaurant, so feel free to bring your pups along to enjoy the experience with you. We make sure your pets feel just as welcome as you do.

Private Bookings and Special Occasions

In addition to regular service, we cater to private events, including christenings, weddings, birthday parties, and more. Our flexible space can accommodate a variety of gatherings, ensuring your special event is unforgettable.

With delicious food, excellent drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, These Things Happen is the perfect venue for celebrating life’s big moments.

Design and Atmosphere

Our unique interior design  combines an industrial look with heritage-inspired features. A special nod to the building’s past as a fuel station is captured in a custom “Fuel Station” sign.

With a vast selection of wines, spirits, cocktails, and draught beers, including options like Salt beers, Guinness, and Madri, plus a cozy coffee bar serving teas, coffees, and soft drinks, These Things Happen offers something for every taste and every occasion.

We’ve come a long way since opening, and we’re excited to continue serving up great food, drinks, and entertainment for the people of Sunderland and beyond. Come see what we’re all about!

Book a table

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