L-R: Mark Hird, Tavistock Hospitality; Ian Cowie, SME Banking at NatWest; and Mike Cross, NatWest.

Member Article

Sunderland’s Best Western hotel undergoes multi-million pound renovation

The Roker Hotel in Sunderland is undergoing a series of improvements as its owner Tavistock Hospitality transforms it into a Best Western Plus.

Tavistock Hospitality recently added the Roker Hotel, the Best Western Grand Hotel in Hartlepool, and two other properties to its portfolio as part of a multi-million pound funding package from NatWest.

Managing director of Tavistock Hospitality turned to NatWest relationship director Mike Cross for funding support. Mike obtained a £3.5 million loan to support the project.

Earlier this year, luxury cakery and tea room Let There Be Crumbs opened at the Roker Hotel. The hotel’s Italian Farmhouse restaurant has also been refurbished.

Later this year the Roker Hotel’s ballroom is going to be improved, next year will see the second phase of the refurbishment with plans to extend and increase the number of rooms as well as refurbish the existing bedrooms.

Family-run Tavistock Hospitality also has an in-house brewery called Sonnet 43 and is also planning to increase its number of its popular ‘brew tap’ venues in the future.

Mark Hird said: “We feel the hotel market place in Sunderland needs a change of direction which is why we want to make the Roker Hotel a boutique establishment with its exceptional service, outstanding dining facilities and luxurious setting.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .

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