Si King, one half of the much-loved cooking duo ‘The Hairy Bikers’, has announced he will open his first-ever restaurant in a Grade II-listed former stable in Sunderland. The restaurant, set to open in the summer of next year, will feature flavours from all over the world and have space for pop-ups from independent producers.
Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers first met on the set of a television drama in 1995 and have been cooking together ever since. They have written 26 cookbooks, selling over six million copies worldwide. This, however, will be the first restaurant for either of these national treasures.
On the choice of location, King told ITV, '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.'
Planning permission for the restaurant was granted in May of this year, as part of a larger initiative striving to rejuvenate Sunderland’s waterfront.
King went on to say, '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.'
If you’re on the hunt for more TV chef-related news, be sure to catch up with our guide to Masterchef: The Professionals, which has a new judge this year.
Cover image: Building Design Northern