Sayturk’s latest venue blossoms in Sunderland

A new hospitality venue is adding colour to Sunderland’s city centre.

The Flower Café has officially opened in Keel Square, bringing its signature floral interiors, neon lighting and Instagram-friendly cocktails to Wearside. 

The vibrant café and cocktail bar joins a growing lineup of restaurants and bars beneath the Holiday Inn, helping shape the area into a new city leisure destination.

Already a hit in Newcastle’s Grainger Street, Alnwick and Whitley Bay, The Flower Café is part of the Sayturk Group portfolio, with another venue set to open in Jesmond’s Osborne Road later this summer. 

The Keel Square site seats 113 inside and offers a further 46 pavement seats along High Street West, overlooking the soon-to-open Culture House.

The venue was designed by North East-based Pulp Studios Design House, who also designed the original Newcastle site. 

It complements nearby destinations including The Botanist and Keel Tavern, with The Muddler expected to follow later this year.

Zafer Saygilier, chief executive of Sayturk Group, said: “I hope that the addition of a Flower Café in Sunderland will bring something different to the city and will be enjoyed day and night by people who live and work in Sunderland, as well as the increasing number of tourists who visit.”

Sayturk Group is a fast-growing regional operator with a diverse hospitality and property portfolio. 

Recent acquisitions include Newcastle’s Bar Loco and the lease of Metropolitan House, on Collingwood Street, in Newcastle, which is set to become a 21-bedroom boutique-style hotel.

All were secured by Sweeney Miller Law’s specialist hospitality and leisure and licensing teams.

Surbhi Vedhara, managing partner of Sweeney Miller Law, added: “Sunderland is a transforming city with huge potential, and it has been wonderful to work with Zafar and the Sayturk Group on their first opening in Sunderland. 

“I am sure that the Flower Café Sunderland will be a huge success and a welcome addition to the Sunderland hospitality scene.”

The Flower Café’s arrival supports Sunderland City Council’s Riverside Sunderland regeneration plans, which aim to double the city centre population, boost jobs and create new cultural and leisure spaces.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “Flower Cafe has been a huge success in Newcastle and like the hospitality groups behind The Botanist, the Keel Tavern and The Muddler, it is wonderful to see another business that has traditionally focused on locations North of the Tyne seeing the huge potential in our transforming city.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure that Sunderland attracts the best venues, and this is another example of that. 

“We hope residents and visitors alike enjoy this exciting new offer.”

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