Arson-hit The Golden Lion pub site sold at auction after huge fire destroys building

The Golden Lion, in Lion Place, South Hylton, was put up for sale with a guide price of £40,000, but was sold to a bidder who offered £61,000 for the burned-out remains of the business.

A blaze raged through the building during the early hours of Saturday, July 13, with Northumbria Police later confirming an investigation had been launched after it was found the fire had been started in an arson attack.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent four appliances and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the blaze, with crews remaining on the scene until the afternoon as it was brought under control.

The pub welcomed Rod Stewart to its bar in 1973 as he joined Sunderland’s FA Cup goal scorer Ian Porterfield when then-owner Matty Roseberry and his brother Ernie extended the venue.

The building went on to host the Little India restaurant in part of the bar.

Photos show the extensive damage caused to the disused pub by the fire and what remained in its aftermath.

Auction Estates handled the sale, which was held at Nottingham Racecourse, which said it was suitable as a residential or commercial development.

It advertised the property on the basis the freehold and said it was an “ideal opportunity for developers.”

It highlighted its view over the River Wear and its proximity to the city centre, highlighting how it had previously been a “busy pub and Indian restaurant.”

However, it did note it suffered “significant fire damage” during the summer blaze and that any buyers would need to make their own investigations in regards to its re-development.

The building was listed in 1994, but the auctioneers said in the lead up to to the sale date that due to the fire, it is unconfirmed if the listing will affect any future development, with the current listing dependent on the Conservation Office.