Ask anyone what they love most about Sunderland, and, chances are they’ll say the gorgeous coastline, incorporating both Roker and Seaburn’s award-winning beaches.

After a £1 million pound refurbishment, the 43 en-suite bedroom Roker Hotel, sitting boldy on this scenic stretch - is looking better than ever. It boasts a gorgeous cake parlour, Let There Be Crumbs, its own on-site gin distillery and bar, Poetic License, and the Italian Farmhouse Restaurant.

To herald the end of its major redevelopment it was very recently awarded a four-star status, a fitting accolade after years of hard work and vision.
As one of the city’s most popular wedding venues, I jumped at the chance to review one of the newly refurbished suites, all of which are aptly named after the botanicals used in their gin distillery.

It’s a lovely day and as I arrive at 5pm, the outside patio area and bar are already really busy with locals, tourists, wedding revellers and the odd dog walker enjoying the sea view and wonderful weather.

We check into our suite, Angelica, decorated in a fresh palette of navy and grey with nautical references that include rope lamps and wall lights. It boasts a huge bathroom with corner bath and additional dressing room with sea view too (it’s the little details that count!) The sea view is magnificent, and, of course, there’s a telescope to complete the theme.

The industrial-themed bar boasts an enviable cocktail menu and also serves up some really cool dishes, including hanging kebabs and inventive sharing platters.
I’m impressed with the attention to detail of the interior design, the carefully curated menus and swiftness of the bar staff. We enjoyed an evening of splendid chat and memorably good G&T’s (peppered with the odd Porn Star martini), before finishing off our evening with a three-course meal from the Skinnylicious menu at downstairs Italian Farmhouse.

For those wishing to get wed here, the options and opportunities are endless; this hotel can cater for both intimate weddings and large parties for up to 350 guests in a variety of suites – check it out now.
www.rokerhotel.co.uk






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