THE man behind a string of popular bowling alleys and pubs across the North-East and Scotland is set to open his second establishment in one town.

Just across the road from The Pickled Parson of Sedgefield is businessman Tim Wilks’ latest venture, the Corner House pub.

Formerly the Black Lion, on the town’s High Street, the newly painted pub is promised to cater for “more relaxed socialising” which will be suited to “young and old, families and friends”.

Founder of Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Aberdeen-based Lane7, Mr Wilks also owns the The Fox Hole, in Piercebridge, near Darlington.

Mr Wilks said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response since we opened the doors to The Picked Parson of Sedgefield late last year.

“The opportunity to add a new dimension to the pub offerings in the town was too great to turn down.

“Sedgefield is a thriving, welcoming and tight-knit community and there is every reason to believe the new Corner House pub, on the site of the old Black Lion, will be equally as successful.”

The Pickled Parson of Sedgefield, formerly the Crosshill Hotel, was underwent a £750,000 refurbishment before its opening at the end of November, 2017 - bringing 25 jobs to the town.

The pub, named after a character in Sedgefield folklore, offers food and drink, including breakfasts, coffees, cakes and late meals, and accommodation will soon be available.

It was also hoped it would become a community hub.

And while owners have promised to continue to focus on developing its food offering there, Mr Wilks states the latest establishment will provide a base for more relaxed socialising.

He added: “Our refurbishment plans will create adult drinking spaces as well as more family friendly rooms and features.

“We’ll be showing live sports, including the World Cup, and will also be opening a new children’s play area.”

There are also plans on redeveloping the exterior to create new outdoor spaces.

Mr Wilks said workers were on site round the clock with the intention of opening the Corner House to members of the public the end of this month.

It is not yet known how many jobs the pub, which was previously on the market for £250,000 will create.