Popular South Shields hotel undergoes renovation following £1m acquisition

A widely known seaside hotel is to undergo a complete refurbishment after being bought in a £1m deal.

The Sea Hotel, in South Shields, has been bought by High Street Hospitality - part of the Newcastle based High Street Group of Companies - which will invest a further £750k in improvements.

The work will include full refurbishment of the rooms, reception areas, restaurant and the wedding and function areas, where Phill Brumwell, managing director, said that “no expense would be spared” in creating a versatile facility.

The hotel, built in the 1930s, will retain its Best Western brand for now but will be part of High Street Hospitality’s Hotel 52 chain and will have a Latin-inspired American bar and kitchen - with live music and dance classes - as well as a vintage sports Bar 52, a fish and chip takeaway and coffee outlet.

Phill Brumwell added: “We are delighted to add such a well known, iconic hotel to our fast growing chain. The Sea Hotel is prominently situated on the sea front, just 100 yards from the beach and right opposite South Marine Park.

“We will improve the facilities to a very high standard, creating a boutique hotel with an array of food and beverage outlets. It will be a vibrant and attractive seaside leisure facility which I believe will bring many more guests and customers to what is already and established and popular venue.”

Cllr. John Anglin, South Tyneside council member for the Beacon and Bents Ward and lead member for regeneration and the economy, said: “We are delighted that such a prestigious firm from the private sector has decided to invest in South Shields town centre.

“The new facilities that will be available will complement even further the work that has been, and will continue to be done on the seafront, contributing to and fulfilling our ambition of making South Shields the premier coastal resort of the North East.”

High Street Hospitality already runs two hotels at Whitley Bay and in Stanley and plans to operate a chain across the North within the next three years. It is currently investigating options for three further outlets in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Cumbria.

With its headquarters in Cuthbert House, Newcastle, The High Street Group was established by Gary Forrest in 2006.

It has grown to become a leading financial and property group employing over 100 people in activities including large scale property development and construction, hospitality and leisure.