Tavistock takes over Sunderland pub The Alexandra

Nov 19 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A POPULAR Sunderland pub has been taken under direct control by the leisure company which bought it this year.

Since being bought by Tavistock Leisure Ltd in a £350,000 deal earlier this year, The Alexandra, at Queen Alexandra Road, Grangetown, had been run under tenancy.

But now, to secure the long-term future of the venue, Tavistock Leisure Ltd and its tenants have agreed to end the tenancy.

Tavistock will instead operate the Alexandra directly, as it does with the other establishments in its portfolio, including the Best Western Roker Hotel and The Best Western Grand Hotel Hartlepool.

The company will focus on improving the bar as a food and events venue.

Tavistock managing director Mark Hird said: "The Alexandra is an iconic venue in Sunderland and, having already invested a great deal of time and money, we are now looking forward to really putting the Tavistock stamp on it. More specifically we will be assessing the feasibility of launching one of our Tavistock Italia restaurants at the venue and be paying particular attention to re-establishing the site as a leading venue for weddings, dinners and charitable events.

"The function suite at the Alexandra is one of the largest, most modern function facilities in the Wearside area.”