SUNDERLAND’s newest leisure hub has joined the flock of businesses which are part of the city’s gift card scheme.
The Sheepfolds Stables is the latest organisation to sign up for the Sunderland Gift Card – which is great news for anyone wanting to give a special present to the foodies in their lives this Christmas.
The Sheepfolds – which opened earlier this year – offers visitors not only the choice of a whole range of restaurants serving different cuisines but also a regular programme of live entertainment.
Restaurants at the venue include I Scream for Pizza, Caribbean food specialists The Calabash Tree, Vito’s Osteria which serves authentic Italian food, high end Asian fusion experts Ember and doughnut favourites, Deep North.
Sheepfolds – which also announced a new venture from Hairy Biker Si King which is due to open in early 2025 – also has a range of drinks offerings including cocktail from Mother Mercy, The Taproom, Pit Pony and the Spey Snug which sells top quality spirits.
The venue will now join the 200 other businesses covering retail, hospitality, leisure experiences and hair and beauty services which accept the card.
Nigel Wood, general manager at Sheepfolds Stables, said: “Sheepfolds Stables is a place that celebrates Sunderland, whether that’s the locally produced lager we serve, or the line-up of Wearside acts we’re bringing to our stage.
“So the fact that people can buy a Sunderland Gift Card, spend their money in the city, supporting the local economy and venues and traders on their doorstep is a great fit with our own ethos. We’re proud to be part of it.”
The Sunderland Gift Card scheme was introduced by Sunderland BID and has contributed around £300,000 to the local economy since its launch and Chief Executive Sharon Appleby believes the Sheepfolds will help to boost that contribution.
“The fact that the Sheepfolds is now accepting the gift card is adding even more to our already very strong offer,” she said.
“It’s the perfect time of year for them to sign up and we know that being able to spend the card there will prove very attractive to anyone wanting to give a food lover something special for Christmas – or for any time of year.
“Giving a gift card gives the recipient the opportunity to spend it on something they’d really like, while supporting local businesses at the same time.”
The gift cards can be bought in a number of ways, including purchasing them in person at selling points at the Bridges, Museum & Winter Gardens, National Glass Centre and at Washington and Houghton Libraries.
Alternatively, they can be sent as an e-card, which can go directly to the recipient’s e-wallet or can be ordered online and a hard copy card sent out.
Corporate or bulk buyers can now also take advantage of a click and collect scheme and are now able to buy cards in various denominations all at once.
The Sunderland Gift Card is accepted in scores of outlets, from retail to experiences such as the theatre and cinema to numerous restaurants and bars. Cards can be purchased at www.sunderlandgiftcard.com