“We’re serving wines you just won’t find elsewhere in the city,” says the head sommelier at a luxury addition to an historic site.

Named simply The Wine Bar, the new addition has joined the fold at Sheepfolds Stables, transforming a unit next door to The Taproom bar.

It’s a stylish affair inside with a 1940s-inspired design by Black Box Design that harks back to an era of opulence.

Head sommelier and site manager Mark Frampton, who’s worked at five-star hotels including The Edwardian in Manchester, has joined the team to guide people through the new bar’s vast wine and Champagne options, as well as cocktails and mocktail choices, with wine pairings and monthly wine tasting events also in the pipeline.

Mark Frampton, head sommelier at The Wine Bar | Sunderland Echo

“We’re serving premium wines from around the world,” explained Mark. “I’ve been told by people who come to the Sheepfolds that that is something Sunderland is vastly missing.

“I’m really looking forward to changing up the menu and bringing something different to the city. It’s a nice, cosy environment where people can get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the site, which can get very busy, especially on match days.”

Moving forward, bottomless brunches and afternoon teas will also be available and The Wine Bar cocktails will also be available from the outdoor cabin in front of the bar that formerly housed Mother Mercy.

Decor-wise, the display case and bar area are focal points and were hand-made and constructed onsite, while other interiors stay true to the site’s rich industrial heritage with leather strap detailing being a nod to the former stables building.

Inspiration has also been drawn from former drinking establishments that once stood in the streets opposite Sheepfolds Stables to serve the local mining community – Ma Vic of the Engineer’s Tavern and Rose of the Waggon Tavern - the two landladies who ran the public houses, are also acknowledged as part of the décor.

Details at The Wine Bar | Sunderland Echo

Rick Marsden of Building Design Northern (BDN), the developers behind Sheepfolds Stables, said: “The Wine Bar is a luxury space to enjoy wines, champagnes, cocktails and more and it certainly adds something different to an already unique site which has firmly established itself as part of the region’s social and hospitality scene.

“It complements our existing operators and the site’s food and drink offer and will no doubt appeal to many different audiences from groups of friends enjoying an afternoon or night out to people looking for a special space for a private function. It’s a great addition to the site.”

The Wine Bar is open now and taking part in Sunderland Cocktail Week, which is running from January 30 to February 8, with special offers on drinks during this period.

The new bar can accommodate up to 40 people and is available for private hire and special occasions.

The Wine Bar is open Thursdays from 5pm-10pm, Friday/Saturdays from 12pm-midnight and Sundays from 12pm-9pm.