Grinder CoffeeCo

Grinder Coffee Co began in 2019 when Michael Curtis and Riki Tsang converted a narrow former dry-cleaner's unit on New Durham Road into a coffee shop, fitting it out themselves before opening the doors. The house coffee is a full-bodied medium roast with a citrus edge, served alongside teas, smoothies and frappes. Cakes and traybakes are supplied by a local baker, Joyce, and the sandwich counter changes with the seasons. A second, larger branch opened for a time inside the Hills Arts Centre in the city centre before closing, with trade continuing as normal at the original shop. Regulars include students and hospital staff from the surrounding streets, and the pair are known for promoting other independent traders across Sunderland rather than only their own counter.