Redefining matchday hospitality for Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light

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 in the grounds. 20.20 conducted a matchday and non-matchday audit of the spaces, which highlighted an undervalued premium offering in the James Herriot suite.

Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, newly promoted Sunderland AFC upgraded their premium and concourse spaces at the Stadium of Light.

The overall project included the creation of ‘Banks on The Wear’ – a new 116-cover premium hospitality space, led by Michelin Star restaurateur and chef Tommy Banks.

Internally, this latest 3,000ft2 space includes a new bar, premium booth and table seating, lounge space on entry, external terrace seating, and a new kitchen to support F&B operations across the stadium.

Banks on the Wear, formerly the James Herriot Suite, is a farm to fork fine-dining concept. 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.

Tommy Banks, said:

“It was great to work with 20.20, They really understand the subdivision of making a contemporary restaurant whilst still paying tribute to the history of the room that we are in. They managed to marry together everything that’s great about the football club, James Herriot’s amazing connection with the club, and also our food style and ethos. Couldn’t be more happy with the restaurant.”

Jon Lee, Executive Creative Director, 20.20, Stephen Doherty, Founding Director, Costudio Consulting, and Marco Galer-Reick, VP, UK Strategy Enablement, Delaware North, discussed this project during their panel at the 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition.

Sunderland is known for shipbuilding, coalmining and glassworks and the interiors speak to this heritage. The 20.20 team learnt of pocketbooks and tokens, industrial scale ship building, the terrain of the area and of course, the history of the club and the key people. What’s been delivered is a truly prestigious dining experience for client’s Sunderland AFC and Delaware North UK, with 20.20 working alongside Costudio Consulting and Building Design Northern.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with its focus on elevating the live experience through pillars including Architecture & Design, Commercialisation, Hospitality and Premium Experience – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd. 20.20 Ltd is a returning sponsor.

Tommy Banks brings his passion for food and football together in a unique collaboration, part of a revolution of premium matchday experiences on Wearside. With his attention to detail, Banks on the Wear offers an ever-changing à la carte menu experience curated and prepared by Tommy and his expert team.

The experience also provides sweeping views across the River Wear, the new city skyline and the footbridge, completing what promises to be the most exclusive and Michelin-worthy food offering in the City of Sunderland.

Source & imagery, courtesy of Costudio | 20.20 Ltd