Hairy Bikers star Si King has confirmed plans to open his first permanent restaurant in the newly redeveloped stables at Sheepfolds.
The TV chef, whose show explores culinary delights from around the world, is opening the new eatery in the riverside venue which is currently being regenerated. Mr King says he will be offering a menu of comforting, hearty dishes inspired by flavours from around the world. He will also use his space to stage exciting food pop-ups from independent producers, providing a platform for them to sell their tasty meals, while ensuring lots of variety for visitors to Sheepfolds.
The Sheepfolds stables development is being brought back to life by Sunderland architects BDN and will see the restoration of the Grade II former stables, outbuildings alongside new contemporary additions to create an open air leisure hub. Sheepfolds is set to open its doors in summer 2023 with restaurants, eateries, and pubs and bars, as well as a stage area that will play host to live music and performance.
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Mr King joins the owners of Route – a Michelin Guide restaurant in Newcastle – which was recently named as the first occupiers, with their new venture, the casual bistro Zinc. The Hairy Biker said he could not resist the opportunity to be part of the building’s transformation.
He said: “Sunderland is a transforming city, and one with great provenance when it comes to local produce. It’s a city by the sea, with access to fresh fish and seafood, plenty of allotments for homegrown fruit and veg, and a spirit of innovation that really appeals to me as a creative person.
“When I met BDN and heard more about the vision for the former stables at Sheepfolds, I could see the opportunity to co-design a space that would allow me and my sons – both of whom work in hospitality - to bring some of the unique flavours I have sampled from around the world during my time as a Hairy Biker to the people of Sunderland. That’s what I’m most excited about – offering exceptional, unfussy food to Sunderland - delicious dishes that are inspired by other cultures and that take people on journey.
“The menu will be the kind of dishes you’d want to enjoy with a nice beer in your hand. Flavoursome, rich Hairy Bikers style food that will be brilliant for people to have before the match as well as with the family.
“I think Sunderland is crying out for venues like the stables, that mean people do not need to venture outside of the city to enjoy good quality food in a stunning setting. The fact that the team behind it are Sunderland based, and want the absolute best for the city, is what makes this such a special development and one I am thrilled to be joining. What will be absolutely vital is that people vote with their feet, and patronise the brilliant places being developed for them.”
Planning permission was granted for the building’s transformation in May, launching work for the stables and surrounding courtyards to be converted into the new destination, for food, drinks, events and entertainment. The venue will have eight individual operators within the site.
Rick Marsden, managing director of BDN, said: “We’re pleased to be welcoming Si to our venue. We want to bring something really special to the city – a fantastic range of places to eat, drink and enjoy – so Si’s relaxed style of food will be a great addition to the other businesses we’re speaking to. Each will offer something different, so there will be a place to suit all tastes when we open next summer.”
The development has been supported by Sunderland City Council. Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is a brilliant coup for the city, to attract a chef with such a pedigree to this fantastic new development at Sheepfolds. The excitement is certainly building for this new venue, another brilliant addition to our transforming city.”
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