Hairy Biker Si King has reportedly delayed the opening of his new restaurant at a new £4m leisure venue.

The Sheepfolds in Sunderland was built in 1883 and previously housed working horses for the North East Railway Company.

It will open to the public for the first time following its redevelopment.

The Grade II listed structure received the seal of approval from Hairy Biker Si, but, according to the BBC, he has delayed the opening of his own restaurant in the complex.

"There are grand designs for Sunderland and this place is part of it, this is for the people of Sunderland, it’s for the folk who live here," he said.

The project is a key part of Sunderland City Council’s regeneration scheme, with plans for the city's new footbridge connecting the Sheepfolds area to the city centre.

The new leisure complex contains eight bars and restaurants, as well as a dance studio and wedding venue.

Recommended reading:

Hairy Bikers' Si King thanks fans for overwhelming Dave Day

Dave Day: Si King on if Dave Myers tribute could be yearly

How did Hairy Bikers duo Dave Myers and Si King meet?

Nigel Wood, the venue's general manager, said he hoped the site would become an "integral part of the community".

"Conservation has been a massive part of the project everything that you see on the exterior is original and inside you can feel the history due to the design," he added.

The venue had been due to open in autumn 2023 but the planned opening was pushed back after work stalled due to poor weather.

'Dave Day'

Back in June, King hailed a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of his late Hairy Bikers co-star Dave Myers as “absolutely remarkable”.

Thousands of motorcyclists travelled from London to Myers’ hometown in Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday as part of the first Dave Day.

Myers, who was part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo with co-presenter King, died in February at the age of 66 after suffering from cancer.