We've had to close our well-known deli but we want to thank the community

Blacks Corner Deli opened in St John’s Terrace in Boldon in late 2019, becoming one of the South Tyneside village’s most well-known businesses.

It forms part of the Blacks Corner family of independent businesses, which also includes Tram Shelter in Seaburn, the original Blacks Corner in East Boldon, Blacks Corner in Fenwick and Blacks Corner, which will open in the new Culture House in Keel Square, Sunderland, in spring 2026.

However, while it’s business as usual at the restaurants, which are unaffected, it’s been announced that the deli, which featured a deli cheese counter, baked goods and coffees to go will close on Sunday, January 4.

The team put out a statement about the closure, citing the increasing difficulties of running an independent business, including escalating costs, as the reason for making the difficult decision to close.

The statement reads:

“In November 2019, we opened our deli at 1A St John’s Terrace. Rosie Ramsay cut our first cheese wheel, we became finalists at the North East Business Awards, and what started as a small neighbourhood deli quickly became part of the fabric of our community.

“Just months later, the world changed.

“When COVID arrived in early 2020, this tiny site became the backbone of the entire Blacks Corner operation. With the support of our customers and producers, the deli powered our At Home kits, nationwide deliveries, and hamper orders.

“During this time, our friend and author LJ Ross donated hampers to vulnerable and elderly members of our community, our co-founder was named a North East Hero, and Blacks Corner Deli was featured on the front cover of Fine Food Digest.

“None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of our community.

“Today, we face a reality that many independent businesses will recognise. Running a small high-street deli has become increasingly difficult, not due to a lack of demand or community support, but because the system around us is failing independents.

“Each year brings higher costs, more complexity, and less practical support, leaving small operators with fewer options and our local high streets with fewer businesses.

“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our deli at St John’s Terrace.

“Our final trading day will be Sunday 4th January.This space has played a significant role in our journey. Closing this chapter allows us to protect the future of the wider business, properly resource our team, and focus our energy on what’s next, including the upcoming Culture House, Sunderland project.

“Over the coming days, we would love for you to visit, support our deli team, and say goodbye. From New Year’s Eve, we will have a full selection of takeaway Blacks Corner Boards available, so you can enjoy a final taste of the deli and the small producers we proudly support at home before we close this Sunday.

“We would also like to reassure our community that all other Blacks Corner locations are completely unaffected. We remain deeply committed to delivering the Blacks Corner experience across our existing sites and future openings.

“Thank you for your support, your loyalty, and for being part of the Blacks Corner story.”