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Cheers to new era for Sunderland's 'Alex'
Glasses are being raised to a new era at a popular Sunderland pub after the announcement of a major refurbishment it is hoped with regenerate an entire neighbourhood.
The Alexandra, in Queen Alexandra Road, Grangetown, has been bought by Tavistock Leisure Ltd, owners of the Best Western Roker Hotel, in a 350,000 deal.
Management are now deciding how they will transform the venue, popularly referred to as the Alex, with a final decision expected within the next couple of weeks.
The pub is currently being run under tenancy for Tavistock Leisure by Dave, Jan and Kevin Atkinson, who are also managing tenants of the Tavistock-owned Wheatsheaf pub next to Roker Retail Park.
Doors will remain closed at The Alex to allow any work on the property to be carried out.
It is hoped the refurbishment will help boost the local economy of Grangetown, bringing in more visitors.
Phil Crowe, marketing manager at Tavistock Leisure, said: "The Alexandra has played a major part in Sunderland's bar scene for more than 20 years now and we are keen to ensure it can keep playing that part for many years to come.
"More announcements about our plans will be made as soon as possible."
Tavistock Leisure Ltd now owns and operates six Tavistock-branded venues across the North East, including sites in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Whitley Bay.
This will be its second venue in Sunderland, alongside the Best Western Roker Hotel, which incorporates the Tavistock Italia and Thai China restaurants.
The move to renovate the Alex comes at a difficult time for pub industry.
Earlier this year, the British Beer and Pub Association claimed one pub is closing every week in the North East.
In total, 27 pubs in the region closed their doors for the last time in the second half of 2008, the association's figures show.
A total of 39 pubs are shutting every week in Britain, three more than last year, including 19 in suburbs, eight in town centres and the rest in rural areas.
The association, which represents the brewing and pub industry, criticised the Government over increases in beer taxes and millions of pounds of extra costs in red tape.
The association said 44,000 jobs had been lost in the industry in the past couple of years, warning that 59,000 could be axed across Britain.
Almost 2,000 pubs closed last year, 600 more than in 2007, the report said.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
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