Marsden Inn celebrates four-star food hygiene rating after new owner saves venue with major revamp

The venue on Marsden Lane, South Shields, was saved from closure last Christmas after being taken over by heroic landlord Michael Ward.

Michael – who also became the new boss at The Lookout on the Lawe Top in 2019 – was determined to restore the pub to its former glory, bringing back its accommodation and offering a fresh and exciting menu.

Taking on the business last December, Michael managed to turn around the venue’s one-star food hygiene rating to a four-star rating within in a matter of weeks.

The Marsden Inn was given a one-star food hygiene rating during an inspection under its previous ownership in July 2019, but now the pub has been awarded a four-star rating from the Food Standards Agency.

The latest inspection was carried out by the local authority on behalf of the agency on February 21, 2020.

Michael said: "The staff have done really, really well. They have all clubbed together and done really well to get this rating.

"We are all over the moon, especially when the pub was going to close last year. The customers are also over the moon."

The team has also expanded to include four chefs, with 11 members of staff in total.

Michael has been in the industry for more than 30 years, including a decade of work at the Little Haven Hotel.

And years of his experience have been put to good use at The Marsden Inn, which has seen a huge increase in demand for its Sunday dinners since the takeover.

Michael said that staff have gone from serving 30 dinners to 200 dinners each Sunday and urged those wanting to come along to book in advance.

And highlights of its new menu include fresh fish dishes, with fish from North Shields Fish Quay.

Punters will also be able to enjoy weekly entertainment by way of buskers night on Fridays and karaoke on Sundays in its refreshed surroundings.

The Marsden Inn is also welcoming new members to join its pool and darts teams.