Family-run Sunderland restaurant set for new ownership

A restaurant in the centre of Sunderland is set for new ownership after being brought to market by property business advisor, Christie & Co.

D’acqua, situated on John Street, is being sold by current owners Jimmy and Hannah Shadforth, who have operated the establishment for a number of years.

Located in the Grade 2 listed basement of the old Sunderland and South Tyneside water board, the restaurant offers a range of English, French and Italian cuisine

D’acqua owners Jimmy and Hannah Shadforth, who established the restaurant in 2008, commented: “We feel the time is right to start planning for our future.

“We will continue to put 110 per cent into what we offer at D’acqua. The staff have been informed of this decision can be rest assured their jobs are secure.

“We hope to find suitable new owners to take over and keep D’acqua being the success it is.”

David Cash, associate director at Christie & Co, added: “Jimmy & Hannah have built an incredibly successful business which definitely warrants its status as one of the best in Sunderland.

“The business continues to perform well despite the widely reported generalisation that ‘restaurants are failing’ – not this one!

“This is an excellent opportunity for a new owner to take on a long-established restaurant with an incredibly loyal customer base.”