Seaside landmark building in South Tyneside bought in £1million deal

The Sea Hotel in South Shields is to undergo a complete refurbishment after being bought by High Street Hospitality.

The business, which is part of the Newcastle based High Street Group of companies, plans to invest a further £750,000 in improvements.

Work will include full refurbishment of the rooms, reception areas, restaurant and the wedding and function areas and managing director, Phill Brumwell, said there will be no expense spared in creating an attractive, versatile facility.

The hotel, built in the 1930s, will retain its Best Western brand for now, but will be part of High Street Hospitality’s Hotel 52 chain and will have a vibrant Loca Latin American bar and kitchen, live music and dance classes, a vintage sports bar, a fish and chip takeaway and a coffee outlet.

Mr Brumwell, said: "We are delighted to add such a well known, iconic hotel to our fast growing chain.

"The Sea Hotel is prominently situated on the sea front, just 100 yards from the beach and right opposite South Marine Park.

"We will improve the facilities to a very high standard, creating a boutique hotel with an array of food and beverage outlets. It will be a vibrant and attractive seaside leisure facility, which I believe will bring many more guests and customers to what is already and established and popular venue.”

Coun John Anglin, South Tyneside Council 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.”

High Street Hospitality already runs two hotels at Whitley Bay and in Stanley and plans to operate a chain across the North within the next three years. It is currently investigating options for three further outlets in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Cumbria.