Fresh new addition to Sheepfolds Stables as it prepares for opening

SUNDERLAND'S most hotly anticipated hospitality venue is 'filling up' with yet another tasty tenant officially being unveiled.

Deep North, an independent doughnut and coffee shop that has well-established bases in Tynemouth and Newcastle upon Tyne, will launch its Wearside venture in one of two new-build kiosks at Sheepfolds Stables, a stunningly reimagined Grade II listed premises next to the Stadium of Light. 

The black clad 'kiosk' building is positioned in one of the courtyard areas, and is designed to resemble a similar structure that would have stood in its place back in 1884 when the site was a working stables yard.

Deep North has built up a cult following across the North East, thanks to its artisan doughnuts and speciality coffee. The company operates a scratch bakery, making all elements of its doughnuts in-house and producing a fresh batch each day following a 24-36 hour process of making and proving dough, rolling, frying and decorating.  Deep North's experienced baristas serve speciality coffee, primarily from coffee partner Allpress, using top of the range coffee equipment including a trademark orange La Marzocco espresso machine.

Owner, Phil King, who launched Deep North with business partner Tom Clark, back in 2022, said: "We can't wait to bring Deep North to Sunderland. Having seen the growth and development of the city over recent years, we have been looking for the right opportunity for us and Sheepfolds Stables fits perfectly for us. There is loads going on in the area and we are excited to be part of that. We have popped up at markets and events in Sunderland over the last 12 months and we've loved how well we have been received.

"We focus on doing two things and doing them really well - speciality coffee made by baristas who have a real passion for coffee, and quality artisan doughnuts with a fresh, interesting and ever-changing menu. We think we bring something new and exciting to the table and look forward to being part of this superb venue and its range of brilliant food and drink operators."

Part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration masterplan, Sheepfolds Stables is a visionary £4m development which boasts an enviable and eclectic line up of eateries from Italian to international cuisine, and Caribbean cooking to Neapolitan pizza purveyors. 

Built in 1884, the buildings - which were once a stables and horse hospital owned by the North East Railway Company, overlook the River Wear and are being developed by Sunderland-HQ'd architecture and engineering practice, Building Design Northern Ltd (BDN). 

Planning permission was granted for the site's transformation in May 2022, paving the way for the existing listed buildings to be reimagined into a creative and vibrant new destination for food, drinks, events and entertainment. 

There are a number of respectfully designed additional spaces at the venue which has welcomed a mix of high-quality occupiers, each bringing their own unique offer when the venue opens on August 2.

Tenants include Spey Snug - a whisky and cigar lounge from Speyside Distillers; The Calabash Tree -serving up Caribbean food inspired by the traditional tastes of Trinidad and Tobago; Ember - an international restaurant with dishes created by skilled chef Tamar Hassan, who has worked in some of the world's best restaurants, Vito's Osteria - authentic Italian cuisine served as small plates and providing an authentic taste of Italy; and the recently announced Mother Mercy, one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK.

Southpaw Dance Company - the award-winning contemporary dance company, has also opened new studio space in a large part of Sheepfolds Stables and will provide entertainment to the thousands of people who visit each year. 

Richard Marsden, managing director of BDN, said: "It's brilliant to welcome Deep North into the fold.  They're a proven and reputable business with a deserved reputation for the high quality products they offer, and are a perfect fit to complement other occupiers at Sheepfolds."

Building Design Northern has been supported with its plans for the building by Sunderland City Council.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, added: "To see old historic buildings brought back into contemporary use this way is so exciting, and the calibre of businesses that are moving here to Wearside and Sheepfolds Stables is testament to the investment and diligent regeneration work being carried out by BDN. We're really pleased to welcome Deep North to Sunderland."

Sheepfolds Stables and surrounding area will be connected to the city centre by a new footbridge providing a pedestrian and cyclist crossing, with the wider area being transformed as part of Sunderland City Council's Riverside Sunderland plan. The masterplan includes a number of large-scale developments in the city centre with the ambition of doubling the area's residential population and increasing employment by 50 per cent.

To find out more about the Sheepfolds Stables development, follow Sheepfolds Stables on social media platforms or www.sheepfoldsstables.co.uk