Fat Hippo to launch in Sunderland with £250k Bonded Warehouse refurbishment

A successful North East restaurant group has chosen Sunderland for the launch of its new leisure brand.

The Fat Hippo group has invested over £250k in converting a vacant 19th century Grade II-listed building on the city’s Fish Quay into the new Bonded Warehouse, a multi-functional venue bringing live music, craft beer and excellent food together in one place.

15 new jobs have been created with the opening of the Bonded Warehouse, with another 10 expected to follow this year as it becomes properly established.

Mike Phillips said: “We felt there was a real opportunity to invest in Sunderland, which is a huge market with a lot of untapped potential, and to be at the forefront of a leisure scene that we think will develop substantially over the next few years.

“The Bonded Warehouse is a destination venue that appeals to a wide range of different audiences at different times of the day and week, and we’ve had a really encouraging start since our official opening.”

The total number of people employed across the Fat Hippo group has now moved past 100, and initial plans are now being considered for where further venues under both of its brands might be set up in the future.

The Fat Hippo management team worked with Gosforth-based RMT Accountants and Business Advisors on all aspects of the development of the new Bonded Warehouse, as well as the wider management of its operations.

Fat Hippo was founded in 2010 by managing director Mike Phillips, who opened the company’s first restaurant in Jesmond after writing his original business plan for the gourmet burger restaurant whilst studying at Northumbria University.

Since then, the firm has opened further Fat Hippos in Newcastle and Durham, with its early adoption of social media helping to build strong brand awareness and loyalty.

Paul Gainford, commercial services director at RMT Accountants, added: “Fat Hippo has built its reputation on innovation, customer focus and quality, and the Bonded Warehouse is very well set to build on this.

“We work with regional entrepreneurs like Mike in a wide range of sectors and it’s great for us to see how their businesses evolve and succeed over time.”

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