A leading North East leisure firm has expanded its portfolio by taking control of one of Sunderland’s most iconic venues.

Since being bought by Tavistock Leisure Ltd earlier this year, The Alexandra, at Queen Alexandra Road, Grangetown had been run under tenancy.

But now, in a strategic decision to secure the long-term future of the venue, Tavistock Leisure Ltd and its tenants have agreed to end the tenancy with immediate effect. Tavistock will instead operate the Alexandra directly, much as it does with the other establishments in its portfolio, including the Best Western Roker Hotel and The Best Western Grand Hotel Hartlepool.

Under the guidance of Tavistock Managing Director, Mark Hird, the Alexandra recently launched its own pie and mash club, offering a daily menu of traditional and unusual pies in conjunction with a full comfort food menu. The focus will now be on improving the food offering even further and positioning the Alexandra as a leading events venue in the city. Plans are also being finalised to open a Tavistock Italia in the venue which should launch in the early part on 2010.

Mark Hird, Managing Director for Tavistock Leisure, said: “The Alexandra is an iconic venue in Sunderland and, having already invested a great deal of time and money, we are now looking forward to really putting the Tavistock stamp on it.”

“The function suite at the Alexandra is one of the largest, most modern function facilities in the Wearside area and we will be paying particular attention in re establishing the site as a leading venue for weddings, dinners and charitable events. We will run the function suite with the same high levels of quality and service as in the Best Western Roker Hotel Grandroom, our sister venue .”

Tavistock Leisure Ltd currently operates eight venues across the North East including The Best Western Roker Hotel and the adjoining Tavistock Italia and Tavistock Thai China restaurants.

For more information visit www.tavistockleisure.com or call the Alexandra direct on (0191) 510 1100