Former teacher and owner of Jarrow cafe Mamma Sue's Kitchen opens new eatery in South Shields

Sue Freeman, who taught at South Shields Community School for almost a decade, opened Jarrow’s much-loved Mamma Sue’s Kitchen in 2016.

Now the 51-year-old, who also has a background in health and fitness, has chosen South Shields for her latest business venture.

Sue, who lives at The Nook, opened Mamma Sue’s Eatery on Frederick Street at the end of last year and is delighted to be there.

“Mamma Sue’s Kitchen has done really well and I've always wanted a nice coffee shop, it was like a childhood dream,” she said.

“I've been trying to get into South Shields for a while, I feel like I belong and I know I can do well here.”

Sue has enlisted the help of former Powerhouse Gym’s Lean Eating chef Adam Taylor Topping to bring healthy and nutritious dishes to the menu.

“It's all about homemade nutritious food that's affordable so everybody can access it,” said Sue.

“It’s not diet food, just good meals made fresh and all locally sourced, supporting local businesses.”

Next week they will launch their meal prep service, with dishes which are calorie counted and Slimming World-friendly available to order and made fresh each day.

“It’s aimed at anyone, but especially people who might be working full time and who want to look after their bodies,” said Sue, who will also be putting treats such as burgers and burritos on the menu.

“I’m all about moderation - you should be able to have a nice chocolate brownie if you want one.”

She also plans to host themed nights, eating challenges and private functions, as well as a daily menu serving up breakfasts, sandwiches and salads to takeaway or eat-in amidst the stylish surroundings.

“I'm really keen on it being a community cafe, where people from all different age groups can come and have a cuppa,” she added.

“I love chatting to the people that come in.”

Mamma Sue’s Eatery is currently open Tuesday-Thursday 9.20am-5pm, Friday 9.30am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.