Member Article

Popular hotel to retain name by public demand

Public affection for a well known seaside hotel has persuaded its new owner not to change the name.

High Street Hospitality purchased The Sea Hotel in South Shields in a £1 million deal back in September, pledging to invest a further £750,000 on refurbishment.

Prominently situated on the sea front, just 100 yards from the beach and right opposite South Marine Park, the 1930’s establishment was to join the company’s Hotel 52 chain. However, positive public reaction to the facelift and the popularity of the hotel with locals means it will remain as The Sea Hotel.

Phill Brumwell, Managing Director with High Street Hospitality, said: “We have been surprised by the number of messages of support and good wishes we have had for the venture from the local community. It seems this hotel has hosted hundreds of celebrations which mean a great deal to people and so, we’ve decided it will remain as The Sea Hotel.”

The refurbishment project is running smoothly with the hotel functioning effectively over the Christmas holiday. A new Latin American restaurant, Loca, fish and chip restaurant, El Coddo and coffee outlet, El Hoddo are now open and a Bar 52 American style sports bar is scheduled to launch in the Spring.

High Street Hospitality – part of the Newcastle based High Street Group of Companies – already runs two hotels at Whitley Bay and in Stanley and recently purchased the Parkmore at Eaglescliffe. It has also acquired The Three Horse Shoes at Washington, where it will open a Rustica Italian restaurant and plans to create 58 bedrooms in the grounds.

At the time High Street Hospitality acquired the hotel, Cllr. John Anglin, South Tyneside Council Member for the Beacon and Bents Ward and lead member for regeneration and the economy, said: “We are delighted that such a prestigious firm from the private sector has decided to invest in South Shields town centre.

“The new facilities that will be available will complement even further the work that has been, and will continue to be done on the seafront, contributing to and fulfilling our ambition of making South Shields the premier coastal resort of the North East, year round.”

With its headquarters in Stockbridge House, Newcastle, The High Street Group was established by Gary Forrest in 2006. It has grown to become a leading financial and property group employing over 100 people in activities including large scale property development and construction, hospitality and leisure.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .