9 pictures inside historic Sunderland pub as it reopens following major refurbishment

Now, The Ivy House in Worcester Terrace, near the city centre, is marking a new chapter after a major refurb.

The popular local, known affectionately as The Ivy, has been closed for the past five weeks as it underwent a top to toe makeover.

Punch Pubs acquired the site earlier this year and the new look comes as part of a big investment in the community pub.

Improvements include new furnishings and flooring, as well as improvements to the toilets, games area and beer garden and investment in new equipment.

General manager Lisa Bewick, who is also GM at The Prior in Doxford Park, said: “Everyone is over the moon with the refurbishment, it’s given the place a whole new lease of life.

“Some things have remained, like the cask ale offering, which we’re really known for, but we’ve installed new hand pulls and a new beer cellar system.

“The Ivy is one of the oldest pubs in Sunderland with a brilliant name and the regulars seem really happy with the new look after we reopened this week.”