Sunderland’s Sheepfold stables announces two new tenants

The developers behind a £2m transformation of a former Sunderland stables has announced two new tenants as it prepares to open a food, drink, and leisure venue later this year at the site.

BuildingDesignNorthern (BDN), which is developing the Grade II listed building, has welcomed the signings of cocktail operator Yem and Trinidadian eatery The Calabash Tree to Sheepfold Stables.

Yem will serve a number of classic and original cocktails using local inspiration and ingredients, and plans to partner with another Sheepfold Stables tenant, Speyside Distillers, to provide local gin and whiskey options to customers.

The Calabash Tree will provide customers with a range of Caribbean dishes such as curries, rice and peas, jerk chicken, and saltfish. A number of vegan and vegetarian dishes will also be available.

The eatery’s founder, Ryan McVay, currently runs a street food business in Washington, and has already taken part in a number of pop-up events.

The new signings will join the existing bill of future tenants at the venue, including one half of the Hairy Bikers Si King, Southpaw Dance Company, and Tamar Hassan’s Asian-inspired restaurant, Hidden Lotus.

Planning permission for the project was granted in May 2022, allowing BDN to transform the site into a contemporary leisure venue. The architectural and engineering firm has been supported in its plans by Sunderland City Council.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sheepfolds Stables promises to deliver a fantastic food and drinks experience, with an eclectic mix of occupiers who are all different, but united by a passion for raising the bar.”