Executive Summary
Sunderland AFC wanted to improve the experience at the Stadium of Light for their loyal fanbase and bring in one of their most famous fans, Tommy Banks, as a Chef and food supplier for his own restaurants. They appointed 20.20 to design the experience.
Banks on the Wear, formerly the James Herriot suite, is a farm-to-fork fine-dining concept by the well-known chef and dedicated Sunderland AFC fan Tommy Banks. This members-only premium space is open before and after every match and has stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere; it’s confident, sophisticated and has impeccable attention to detail.
Before the space opened, every seat was sold out for the season.
Submitting Organization: 20.20
Photo Credits: GG Archard
Detailed Nomination
20.20 began the project with a match-day and non-match-day audit across the stadium, which identified one large space requiring a full modernisation and new concept, alongside an undervalued premium offering in the James Herriot suite. Banks on the Wear was the result.
The brief called for a synchronicity of materials that felt authentic to the narrative, linking Tommy Banks’ farm-to-fork ethos with the raw, industrial roots of the city, while delivering a space that was genuinely welcoming and sophisticated.
Sunderland’s heritage runs deep: shipbuilding, coal mining, glassworks. The design team explored the history of pocketbooks and tokens, large-scale shipbuilding, the local terrain and the story of the club itself. The long-standing connection between James Herriot, Sunderland AFC and Tommy Banks became a natural thread throughout, honoured quietly but deliberately, and entirely in keeping with the ethos of Tommy’s food and the shared love of the club.
Every touchpoint earns its place. Motti tokens on arrival, leather satchel-style stitching across the upholstery and a striking red display case all nod to the club and its people. Intricate mosaic tiles on the bar floor sit against copper-effect cladding, with the upright structures beneath the pink marble top referencing the steelwork and scaffolding of the shipyards. The leather banquette seating wrapping the perimeter was inspired by James Herriot’s veterinary bag, deep diamond-stitched, considered, and unmistakably of this place.
The craftsmanship of the city is present in every material choice. Elevated, but never disconnected from where it came from.
