Sunderland pub hoping to be named top boozer again

The Ivy House in Sunderland is already the holder of the Pub of the Year title in our annual WOW247 Awards. But now the Worcester Terrace-based venue is bidding to retain its crown.

Kelly Rumney is the new general manager and paid tribute to the existing staff and customers for giving her the warmest welcome.

She added: “Everyone is made really welcome when they come through the door. It is a great environment.”

Praise has flooded in for the venue in a series of nominations. One said: “Such a lovely atmosphere every time I go there. Always a vast selection of drinks and friendly staff.”

Another commented: “Great pub food and lively, warm atmosphere and well worth a visit. Also does real ales as a bonus.”

And a third said: “The Ivy House has a lovely atmosphere, the customers are always friendly. The staff in particular are always welcoming and provide service with a smile. The pub is like a big family.”

A fourth added: “Eaten there quite a few times, and every time has been absolutely faultless. Massive menu and drinks range, food is to die for.”

Despite Kelly’s arrival, there won’t be major changes on the way at the Ivy House.

She added: “You don’t fix something which isn’t broken. It works. What we offer is good, value for money, freshly cooked food on site.

“The Ivy House is loved by the community and we get a lot of regulars in. We have live band nights.”

Kelly was delighted at the nominations for this year’s awards and said: “That’s fantastic.

“It shows again that people love the Ivy and it is a great team that makes the difference. A lot of them are long-serving. It’s a good environment.”

This year, the competition is backed by UK Asbestos Specialists (UKasl).

The Best Western Roker Hotel will host the finale of our competition – held in association with our weekly entertainments guide, Wow 24/7. Nominations can be sent in until the deadline of February 1.

l To nominate, fill in the form in today’s paper or visit www.jpne-events.co.uk.