The Roker Hotel, one of longest standing and most recognised hotels in Sunderland, has been sold.

Business property adviser, Christie & Co handled the sale of the venue, which dates back  170 years, and has a character of Victorian grandeur from its seafront position overlooking the North Sea, Roker Beach and Roker Pier.

The 43-bedroom hotel was on the market for around £2million and had been operated by Tavistock Hospitality under the Best Western Hotels Premier Collection for the past 20 years.

The Northern Echo: -- (Image: Newsquest)

The property came to the market to allow the company to focus on other business interests, presenting the opportunity for a new owner to acquire a base close to Sunderland’s many tourist attractions, including the award winning Seaburn and Roker beaches, The Stack Entertainment complex, Marine Activities Centre, Roker Park, Watch House Museum, The National Glass Centre and The Anglo-Saxon St Peter’s Church.

The hotel has been purchased by the Seaton Hospitality group which owns a number of licensed outlets across the North East.

The Northern Echo: Inside the RokerInside the Roker (Image: Press release)

Raman Sanghera, Managing Director of Seaton Hospitality, said, “We are thrilled to become the new owners of The Roker Hotel. It’s a truly prestigious venue with a fantastic location and unparalleled views. We will be breathing a new lease of life into the hotel’s beautiful features to make it one of the best hotel and wedding venues in the North-East.”

Nicola Foster-Hird previous owner of the hotel added: “We have had 21 amazing years at the Roker and made some fantastic memories on the journey. It’s now time to pass that opportunity on to a new custodian and I’d like to wish Raman and his family the best of luck for the future, and hope they have as much fun as my family have with the hotel.”

David Lee, Regional Director – Hotels at Christie & Co, said: “We are very pleased to broker the sale of The Roker Hotel for Nicola. I remember selling the hotel to Russell, her father many years ago and the hotel has been a real success story over the years. I am sure Raman and his family will continue that success in the years to come.”