Better than the works canteen...

Fifty years ago on this very site there was a works canteen belonging to the Sunderland Echo and the view across the River Wear was of shipbuilders yards; Austin & Pickersgills, Doxfords, Thompsons where Liberty ships were built, Bartrams and many smaller sheds.  I ate many plates of toast and drank pots of tea looking out at the busy river traffic watching ships being built and launched in the mid 70's when I joined the company.  The site was rebuilt about 25 years ago and the new Echo House now contains luxury flats and the best Chinese restaurant in the area.