I’m Sarah, and together with my dad John, and my husband Blaine, we have turned our shared dream into reality by creating this unique space. The 3 Stories
isn’t just a pub or bar to us – it’s a heartfelt tribute to our family’s passion for this historic property and our deep love for Sunderland and its amazing community.
Every corner of The 3 Stories has a story to tell, and we’d love to share those tales with you. Whether it’s through the warm ambiance, the walls steeped in history, or the connections we form with each guest who walks through our doors, this place is truly special – and we’re so glad to have you as part of our journey.
The 3 Stories is more than just a place – it’s a labor of love, brought to life through the collective efforts of my dad, John, my husband, Blaine, and our dedicated team.
Together, we set out to transform this historic building into a truly special space, weaving our family’s vision with the building’s rich legacy. From the beginning, this project wasn’t just about creating a venue – it was about recreating something meaningful, with heart and purpose.
Every detail was carefully crafted with you in mind. Blaine, with his incredible eye for design, brought our ideas to life, blending modern aesthetics with thoughtful nods to the building’s storied past. His creativity shines in every corner, from the warm and welcoming interiors to unique touches like the fairground-themed rooftop bar – a playful concept that emerged during one of our many lively family brainstorming sessions. This was truly a family affair. Around our dinner table, we debated menu ideas, discussed interior designs, and brainstormed ways to make every moment spent here feel special. Our construction team, led by Blaine, brought those plans to life, ensuring every brick and beam reflected the care and passion we put into this project.
The 3 Stories is a place where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and evening meal, savor a great cup of coffee, unwind with live music, or simply soak in the atmosphere. It’s a family dream realised – built with creativity, passion, and a commitment to offering a space that feels like home.
For over 20 years, this extraordinary building has been a part of our family’s journey. Its walls have witnessed countless stories – from the bustling days of Pann Alley, when the salt industry thrived, to its time as a lively pub that brought people together as the heart of the community.
Before we took on this project, the space was occupied by the old JJB building, known far and wide for its rather notorious cladding – an era in the building’s history that many will remember all too well. When the lease ended, we saw not just a chance, but a responsibility to transform this space into something truly special.
Gathered around our family table, with laughter and shared dreams, we envisioned The 3 Stories. A place where modern design meets a profound respect for history and heritage, breathing new life into this cherished building and reconnecting it with the vibrant city it calls home.
The 3 Stories is steeped in history, and we’ve taken great care to preserve its legacy. The Library Bar, for example, is crafted from wood that is over 200 years old, salvaged directly from the building itself. Our stairwell is lined with pictures that showcase the building’s past, a visual journey through time that connects us to those who came before.
From reclaimed wood to carefully restored details, every part of The 3 Stories has been designed to celebrate its incredible history while creating new memories for the future.