Double delight: 30 new jobs coming to popular South Tyneside venues

The Waterfront manager Ashley Wells, chef Noel Labe and assistant manager Andrew Wells, sponsors of WOW247 awards.

Businesswoman Sharon Deehan revealed the double boost for venues which are part of an organisation backing this year’s Sunderland Echo and Shields Gazette WOW247 Awards.

The awards night has just been held and interviews with the winners will feature in next Wednesday’s papers.

But in the meantime, the double boost is happening at the Marsden Grotto pub as well as the Waterfront in South Shields – both owned by Sharon.

At Marsden, a grand re-opening is planned for Good Friday and Sharon, who is also sole trader at the Lakeside Inn and Riverside in South Tyneside, said: “We are having a massive relaunch with DJ Adam Christie opening for us.”

A major refurbishment is underway including plans for a second floor restaurant.

Sharon added: “We are looking at it being a fish restaurant given its location to the  sea.”

The venue currently has five staff but Sharon said: “We are looking for at least another 20 people.”

The Waterfront already boasts top-class Asian fusion food as well as cask and craft ales downstairs.

But also on the way is the Staithes House steak house upstairs, and staff numbers will double from the current 10 to 20.

Sharon is also delighted to be on board with the WOW247 competition and said it was “good to recognise people”.

This year, the competition was 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 were hosts of the competition, held in association with the weekly entertainments guide, Wow 24/7.