One of Sunderland’s city centre hotels rolled out the red carpet last month as business leaders and civic dignitaries gathered to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The Hilton Garden Inn, in Monkwearmouth, has marked a decade since it welcomed its first guests back in 2016.

To mark the occasion, the hotel hosted a special birthday drinks reception.

Among those attending the milestone event were The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque and the Mayoress, Councillor Lynda Scanlan.

The Hilton Garden Inn general manager, Gareth Freeman, with the mayor and mayoress of Sunderland and director of sales, Catherine Graham.

placeholder image — The Hilton Garden Inn general manager, Gareth Freeman, with the mayor and mayoress of Sunderland and director of sales, Catherine Graham.

Attendees were also given a first look at the hotel’s newly-refurbished lobby, bar and public seating areas as part of a £150,000 transformation.

The hotel’s Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar has also undergone a full transformation, with new seating and carpets creating a more contemporary and welcoming atmosphere.

One hundred and forty one bedrooms are also set to be refurbished as part of an ongoing programme to refresh and improve guests’ experiences.