Tavistock to run Alexandra pub as managed house

North East operator Tavistock Leisure will now run the Alexandra in Grangetown, Sunderland as a managed house.

Tavistock acquired the Alexandra for £350,000 earlier this year but had been running the site as a tenancy.

The focus will be on improving the food offer at the Alexandra and it has recently launched a pie and mash club.

"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," said managing director Mark Hird.

"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 and we intend to offer the same high levels of quality and service at the Alex as we do in the Grandroom of its new sister venue, the Best Western Roker Hotel."

Tavistock Leisure Ltd currently operates eight venues across the North East including The Best Western Roker Hotel and the adjoining Tavistock Italia and Tavistock Thai China restaurants.