Scottish Distillers find new home in Sunderland

Whisky fans in Sunderland will be raising a glass, as Sheepfolds’ stables announces its latest addition for 2023. Speyside Distillers, an artisan distillery in Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, is the latest in a long and impressive line-up of businesses taking space in the fast-transforming Grade II listed venue.

The Spey Snug a stunning whisky lounge, that will be decorated with rich heavy fabrics, a moody colour palette and bespoke leather furniture, telling the story of Speyside’s heritage will serve up Speyside’s award-winning single malts, alongside its juniper enhanced gin and a range of cigars, when it opens its doors in 2023.

The Snug, set in one of eight distinct spaces within The Sheepfolds’ hotly-anticipated new leisure venue, is the fourth business to be announced, and will take up a cosy space close to the venue’s stage, providing an intimate space for people to meet and raise a glass.

Speyside Distillers is based out of an 18th Century converted mill, drawing its water from the Spey River tributary using an old mill lade that has been powering the building for generations. It is run by John Harvey McDonough, who has long-running connections with Sunderland having once lived in Pallion.

John said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Spey Snug to Sheepfolds in Sunderland, working 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. Speyside Distillery is also looking to produce a special Sheepfolds Single Malt.

“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,” John added.

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

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.”

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.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily