Snug fit for Speyside Distillers in Sunderland

Whisky fans in Sunderland will be raising a glass to Badenoch’s Speyside Distillers.

The artisan distillery by Glentromie is the latest business to take space in the £2m transformation of the Sheepfolds’ stables in the city.

The Spey Snug – a whisky lounge, decorated with rich heavy fabrics and bespoke leather furniture, tells the story of Speyside’s heritage.

It will serve up the company’s award-winning single malts, alongside its juniper enhanced gin and a range of cigars, when the drink, music and food destination opens it doors in late 2023.

Speyside Distillers is based out of an 18th Century converted mill by Kingussie, drawing its water from the Spey River tributary.

Company owner John Harvey McDonough has a long-running connection with Sunderland, having once lived in Pallion.

He said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Spey Snug to Sheepfolds with the BDN team. Having lived in Sunderland previously, it is wonderful to come back and be part of a venue that will be a stunning addition for people living and visiting the city.”

The venue plans to hold whisky and cigar tasting evenings and will also be available for private hire for people looking to host an event or celebration. The distillery is also looking to produce a special Sheepfolds Single Malt.

Mr McDonough said: “This is a really special venue with such heritage. It was an opportunity we just couldn’t pass by. And to be able to develop a new product that will give this venue something really unique to offer to its customers is just fantastic.”

The venue will also house some of John’s wife’s artwork. Joanna’s work feature on bottles of Spey whisky.

The Snug, set in one of eight distinct spaces within The Sheepfolds’, is the fourth business to be announced.

The riverside venue is currently being brought back to life by BDN, an architectural and engineering practice.

Recently, RESINN – a concept coffee shop – was announced alongside Zinc, a new restaurant from the team behind Route, a Michelin Guide restaurant in Newcastle; and there will be a new eatery from TV chef Si King.

Richard Marsden, managing director at BDN, said: “The response to this venue has been fantastic not only from people in Sunderland but from businesses that are keen to be part of it and we’re delighted to have Speyside Distillery on board to bring a really different offer to Sunderland.

“The stables building has such provenance, so working with businesses that have a strong heritage brand is a great fit for us. We can’t wait to work with John and the team to create a really stunning venue for visitors to enjoy.”

Planning permission was granted for the building’s transformation in May, paving the way for the stables and surrounding courtyards to be transformed into a vibrant new destination for food, drinks, events and entertainment.

BDN has been supported with its plans for the building by Sunderland City Council.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The offer at this brilliant new venue just gets stronger and stronger with each announcement, and as a Scotsman with a passion for Sunderland, I am particularly pleased to see Speyside Distillery launch its first Spey Snug outside of Scotland in this wonderful city I am proud to call home.”

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