TV chef Si King is set to open a restaurant in the North East offering a "gourmet twist" to the pre-match tradition of a pie and pint.

The Hairy Biker announced his new venture at Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland, which will serve hearty British comfort food at an affordable price.

Expected to be up and running by the end of the year or early 2025, the restaurant called "PROPA!", will have a takeaway and a fire pit.

Mr King said: "This will be a new yet complimentary offering for Sheepfolds Stables and one that we’re confident will go down very well with all who visit.

"We’re taking people back down memory lane, becoming a custodian of nostalgic food, including for those going to the football where a pie and a pint before the game was, and still is, a must (even with a beef tea – Bovril).

"Our focus is very much on creating and serving wholesome, tasty comfort food using the very best ingredients, and these will be sourced from producers local to the city and region."

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The menu will feature a variety of homemade pies, sausage casseroles, stottie sandwiches, spam fritters, and other comfort dishes.

Breakfast items like sourdough specials and a Full English will also be available with vegan and vegetarian options also planned.

The Hairy Biker discussed his intention to work closely with local charities to ensure no excess food goes to waste.

He said: "It’s also important for PROPA! to work alongside the local community wherever possible, especially when it comes to food wastage, so we’re currently exploring ways in which we can partner with charities that need support at a very grassroots level to ensure that any excess food is not wasted and instead, distributed throughout the community."

The new venture aims to evoke nostalgia by recreating the tradition of a pie and pint before a match, similar to what the Roker Pie Shop did for years next to Roker Park.

Plans are in place to pair homemade pies with local ales as part of a "pie and pint" offer.

Richard Marsden, venture partner and managing director of Building Design Northern (BDN) Ltd, said: "PROPA!

"will therefore offer a very complimentary, high quality yet affordable addition to the food and drink provision seven days a week, so we’re delighted to announce it."