Commercial Architecture
A flagship investment, regeneration and redevelopment project for BDN is Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland, a vibrant £4m food, drink, events and entertainment destination which was launched in August 2024 to huge acclaim.
The historic, 140-year-old former stables buildings, which once accommodated up to 100 working horses, have been fully repurposed and reimagined to create a modern and truly unique hospitality venue that is now home to an eclectic mix of high quality, independent operators including bars, restaurants and an award-winning dance company.
Sheepfolds Stables welcomed thousands of guests through its doors in the first few weeks alone.
As custodians of the 20,000 sq ft site, BDN’s vision from the start was always to ‘keep the history alive’, and this included using traditional methods of construction to purposefully preserve, restore and enrich the Grade II listed development and its remarkable industrial past and character.
Over 100 timber-framed windows were handmade by apprentice joiners to replicate, identically, the look and feel of the site (which dates back to 1884). Similarly, 30,000 original cobbles, a clock tower, ceramic water troughs and hay loft winches are just some of the many historic features that have been carefully preserved, restored and reinstated.
This exemplary and combined approach to construction, engineering and conservation has propelled BDN as experts in the built environment, taking Sheepfolds Stables from a state of disrepair to one of the most visionary and impressive regional development projects over recent years.
Sheepfolds Stables, overlooking the River Wear next to the Stadium of Light, is now rapidly becoming a sought-after social destination and a popular business and private hire venue for Sunderland and the wider North East region.
As well as its diverse food and drink offering, the venue also hosts pop-up markets, televised SAFC away matches and other sporting highlights on the big-screen, live music, business events, seasonal fayres, a run club and more, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond.
Sheepfolds Stables offers exceptional food and drink from fine dining, firm favourites and global street food to sophisticated cocktails, sweet treats and speciality coffee. Operators include:
Vito’s Osteria – Serving authentic Italian cuisine, traditional family recipes and the finest wines.
Deep North – Offering speciality coffee and artisan, fresh-batch doughnuts.
Mother Mercy – An independent and award-winning cocktail bar.
I Scream for Pizza – A pizza restaurant serving New York-style slices with a modern twist, and homemade soft-serve ice creams.
Spey Snug – A decadent whisky and cigar lounge from the award-winning Speyside Distillers.
The Calabash Tree – Authentic Caribbean tastes and dishes inspired by secret family recipes from Trinidad and Tobago.
Ember – An Asian-inspired restaurant serving small plates and fusion cuisine by skilled chef, Tamar Hassan, who has worked in some of the world’s best restaurants.
Southpaw Dance Company – An award-winning, contemporary dance company with studio space for community projects.
Sheepfolds Stables also includes:
The Taproom – the main bar area serving up rustic charm, historic industrial features and stunning interiors, alongside Sheepfolds Stables’ very own Pit Pony lager.
Back of The Pit – a second bar offering an array of quality beers, wines and soft drinks and opening onto the main outside courtyard area.
The Hayloft – an impressive events space with rustic charm and original features, and ideal for business or private hire functions.
The Bridlepath – a second, modern events space with contemporary design and stunning views across the River Wear.
Please go to www.sheepfoldsstables.co.uk for more details.