One winner will receive a £20 Grinder gift card, which can be redeemed for any food and drink, a Grinder tote bag, a bag of house roasted coffee beans and a coffee-themed print by the winner. Sunderland artist Fiona Mullen, with the prize worth £50 in total.
Grinder Central, a sister site to the original Grinder in Durham Road, was the first business to open at the Hills Arts Centre, which breathed new life into the former bookshop, transforming it into a multi-use space, housing artists’ studios and a host of independent businesses, including a beauty salon, tattoo artist, glass artist, photographer, jewelry maker, candle maker, milliner and many more.
Grinder Central was an opportunity for owners Michael Curtis and Riki Tsang to expand their original Grinder offering, with an expanded menu, including everything from pink slices to bagels, a dining area and a fully accessible site, with a ramp and a baby changing facility.
Like any new business, the first few months have been a learning curve, but Riki says they’re excited to be part of Downtown’s evolution.
“Traffic has been impacted by ongoing work at the new station, but completing this will really open up this side of the city centre,” he said.
He added: “People always learn we’re here. A lot of our existing clientele visit the Durham Road site, but being in the city center means we’ve also met new clients, and those who came People are moving away from the chains more and more, and they seem to really appreciate the independent offer that we have here.
“Downtown is definitely moving in the right direction, people just need to support these businesses.”
In addition to daily cake supplies from Peggy’s Delights, Grinder sells homewares from independent companies and artists, such as Rise and Shine candles and everything from pink slices and coffee themed prints. with inspirational quotes.
The larger space means they can also hold workshops at the cafe to complement Hills’ artistic offering, including origami and Christmas wreath-making workshops.
All Hills units are now full, with the site home to over 17 businesses and arts practitioners.
“It’s a really stimulating and creative workspace, and a really good use of the building,” Riki said.
We’ve partnered with Grinder Central to offer a prize for coffee lovers.
* £20 Grinder gift card to use on any coffee food or drink
*Fiona Mullen Cafe Themed Print
*Bag of home roasted coffee
For a chance to win, answer this question: where does the name of Hill’s Arts Center come from?
Email your response, along with your name and contact details, to [email protected] before 9 a.m. on Monday, July 23.
