Yahoo News Trio of bars and restaurants set to open in Sunderland city centre
A trio of new bars and restaurants are set to open in Sunderland as part of major leisure development in the city.
Mother Mercy, which has been named as one of the top 10 cocktail bars in the UK, is set to launch its first venue in the city after becoming the latest operator to announce an opening at Sheepfolds Stables. The announcement marks the launch of the company’s fourth venue, bringing world-class cocktails to Wearside and the city’s newest and most anticipated hotspot destination.
The business, co-founded in 2019 by Neil Donachie and Luke Comer, will open in one of two cabin buildings overlooking the main courtyard at the Grade II listed development.
Mr Donachie said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching our fourth Mother Mercy at Sheepfolds Stables. Our imaginative menu of creative cocktails, seasonal influences and classic drinks will bring a vibrant, premium experience to Wearside. Sunderland is a city with significant history and culture that is seeing major investment and regeneration.
“With our successful track record in the cocktail and hospitality scene, we’re looking forward to becoming part of this culture and we’re confident that Mother Mercy will quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.”
Other independent operators at Sheepfolds Stables – which is being created by architecture and engineering firm Building Design Northern Ltd – are The Calabash Tree, I Scream for Pizza, Vito’s Osteria, Ember, and whisky and cigar lounge, Spey Snug, as well as the multi award-winning, Southpaw Dance Company.
Elsewhere in the city, Flower Cafe has been unveiled as the latest operator to invest in Keel Square. Flower Cafe, which is owned and operated by Newcastle based Sayturk Group Ltd, will take the fourth and final unit under the Holiday Inn at Riverside Sunderland.
The first Flower Cafe opened in 2021 in Newcastle and proved so popular that a second cafe was opened in Alnwick at the end of 2023. Further venues are set to open soon in Jesmond and Whitley Bay.
The Sunderland venue will have 113 covers inside and 46 in the outdoor space, is expected to create 20 new jobs when it opens later this year, offering a continental style menu of cocktails, beers, patisserie, sandwiches, sweet treats, gelato ice creams and healthy options.
Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland has a very clear vision and ambition, and developments like Sheepfolds Stables are integral to delivering continued growth, jobs and driving forward new investment. We are very much looking forward as a city that is delivering change and making a name as a highly attractive place to do business. We’re therefore delighted to welcome companies like Mother Mercy to Wearside.
“Flower Cafe has been a huge success in Newcastle and like the hospitality groups behind The Botanist, the Keel Tavern and The Muddler, it is wonderful to see another business that has traditionally focused on locations North of the Tyne seeing the huge potential in our transforming city. We’ve worked hard to make sure that Sunderland attracts the best venues, and this is another example of that. We hope residents enjoy this exciting new offer.”
Meanwhile, growing burger restaurant chain Burger Drop has announced it is opening a city centre venue.
The company, launched in 2020, is opening its fourth base in Sunderland’s Derwent Street, joining two venues in Newcastle and a planned site in Whitley Bay.
Hasan Hamid, founder of Burger Drop, said: “We are incredibly excited to open with our new franchisees in Sunderland city centre. Sunderland is a vibrant and fun city with an aspiring culinary culture, and we are eager to become a part of that community. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a space that reflects the energy and spirit of Burger Drop, and we can’t wait to welcome burger lovers from all over the area, later this year.”
