Hairy Biker Si King says Sunderland restaurant Propa is 'remarkable'

Propa, at the Sheepfold Stables in Sunderland, is the TV chef and motorcyclist’s first restaurant, specialising in British comfort food with a gourmet twist.

The grab-and-go restaurant which has outdoor seating around a firepit opened on December 18, with its pies all the rage among diners.

Speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo Si King said the first full month of the restaurant had been ‘remarkable’.

One of Propa's pies. (Image: JOSHUA NICHOL)

The Hairy Biker said: “I have to say a big thank you to everybody that’s come down to support us.

“I think everybody’s just getting what we’re trying to do – it’s all local ingredients, it’s all food with a little bit of nostalgia, it’s all appropriate to our local area.

“It’s remarkable so a massive thank you from me and all the team at Propa for your kind support and you’ve just been amazing because without you we’re nothing really. I’m really pleased with the way it’s gone.”

He added: “You never take anything for granted so it has been very heartwarming because what we wanted to do was food that was particular to our culture in the North East and certain dishes that were culturally relevant to our area.

Propa. (Image: JOSHUA NICHOL)

“Everything you are in receipt of is handmade in our kitchen and I think people understand the quality. And what we try to do is keep the price point as keen as we can because we know people are skint.”

Almost everything in the kitchen – bar the pulses - comes from within a 50-mile of Sunderland.

Pies are at the centre of the menu, with one of the filled pastries with mash and gravy costing £12.

Other options include local delicacy Panackelty or Flat Rib Broth with a stottie.

Read next:

• Scarlett Vickers: Mum of Darlington teen killed by dad still 'standing by him'

• How ex-pitman became NUFC legend as tributes paid to him after death aged 71

• Last motorbike ridden by Hairy Bike Dave before cancer death to go under hammer

Click here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone.

A stone’s throw from the Stadium of Light, Propa plays to the pre-match tradition of a pie and a pint.

Based at the Sheepfold Stables, a former railway stables which has undergone a £4m renovation to become a “destination for independent food and drink operators”, Propa is King’s first foray into the restaurant scene.

It is open 11am til 6pm Thursday to Sunday.