Historic Mountain Daisy pub under new management - here's their plans for the landmark

There’s been many people behind the pumps at The Mountain Daisy over the decades, but a new team is planning to give the landmark the TLC it deserves.

One of Sunderland’s most architecturally-significant pubs, the Grade II-listed site has been described by Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) as having “one of the most spectacular pub rooms anywhere in the country” thanks to its snug’s ceramic tiling, featuring local scenes such as Marsden Rock, Cragside and Durham Cathedral.

Previously valued at around a £1million, the Edwardian tiles by Craven Dunnill & Co are regarded as one of the finest examples of their kind.

Scott Allsopp, the new tenant at the pub, which is owned by Trust Inns, plans to make more use of the snug while maintaining its historically-rich features.

He and his business partner got the keys in early November and were hoping for a December opening, until the tier announcements were made.

With the city now in Tier 4, they are still unable to open fully but are using the time to spruce up the interiors and finalise their plans for the future.

Until then, they’re offering a food delivery service from the pub’s large kitchen, which is already proving successful.

Scott, who over the years has ran The Thorndale in Thorney Close and The Duke of Wellington in Pittington, said: “Once we got the keys and had a proper look around I was blown away by all the historic features, and I’m not a soppy person like that. We really want to make the most of everything that’s here.”

As well as the historic snug back room, the pub has a large main bar, a sports room and two upstairs function rooms.

Scott added: “Hylton Road had a tradition of being a pub crawl on the way into town. I used to drink in The Willow Pond myself, which is a good pub, you also have have The Railway Tavern and Oddies which all tick over. This one has always struggled, and has had many different tenants over the years, but we really want to revive it and see it reach its potential. The sports room is great and more modern than the rest of the pub, we plan to have live sports on in here for the younger crowd.

"In the main bar, we’re busy painting it and sprucing it up and we will be offering the drinks you’d expect from a traditional pub. We want this to be a pub for all ages.”

The new food menu of stone-baked pizzas, wraps and burgers, all priced around £3.99, which can be ordered through the pub’s Facebook page, has already been doing well.

Scott said: “We’ve had such good feedback so far on the food and people have been really interested in us taking it over. It’s a pub with a lot of memories for people. It’s a traditional wet-led pub and we’ll be keeping it as it’s supposed to be, with some extras to help make it part of the community again.”

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