Sailors' '˜home from home' nominated for WOW247 award

Geoff Moon Welcome Inn. Picture by FRANK REID

That’s the Welcome Tavern in Prospect Row in Sunderland which has become the latest entry in this year’s WOW247 Awards, much to the delight of landlord Geoff Moon who runs the place with his wife Julie.

Geoff is believed to be the city’s longest serving landlord after 25 years at the helm - and another five at the Blueberry before that.

But the modest landlord was keen to pass on the praise to others, particularly his customers. He said: “I have looked after them but without them, I have nothing.

“The pub is theirs and I manage them while they are in.”

Nominations for the Welcome tavern told how it is the “hub of the East End community.”

Customers described it as a place where “everyone that visits feel comfortable and relaxed. Merchant Seamen from ships berthed in the adjacent port often visit and are quickly made to feel wanted and amongst old friends.”

The nomination added: “A tipple of what you fancy, a game of bingo, a healthy debate about the world and its troubles with Geoff, or a sing along at the legendary karaoke nights, this place has it all and more.”

Geoff admitted: “I am over the moon with this.

“This is a community pub and it is probably the hub of the community within the East End.”

Geoff believes the Welcome was also one of the first internet pubs in the UK.

Another nomination said: “The East End community would be a much poorer place without it.”

We want to find the best in South Tyneside and Wearside’s arts, culture, hospitality and leisure scene.

Nominations can be sent in until the deadline of February 1. After that, judges will draw up a shortlist in each category.

This year, the competition is backed by UK Asbestos Specialists (UKasl), The Marsden Grotto Private Beach and Downey’s Fish and Chip Restaurant in Roker and Seaham. The Best Western Roker Hotel will host the finale of our competition – held in association with our weekly entertainments guide, Wow 24/7 - on Thursday, February 25. To nominate, visit www.jpne-events.co.uk.