Grainger Tavern Re-opens in Newcastle: See the Crowds Flock!

Months after its closure was announced a well known Newcastle pub has re-opened with a new team in charge Almost a year after it opened and then shut down within a matter of months, a famous Newcastle city centre boozer has returned under new management. And its new era is already pulling the crowds in. There was a big change right in the heart of town at the start of 2025 when the premises that had been home to Butlers for years, rebranced and relaunched as the Grainger Tavern, with its new name a very apt one given the building's location right next to Newcastle's iconic Grainger Market. The Tavern welcomed its first customers almost a year ago now, quickly emerging as a big favourite of Newcastle United supporters in its first month of business and being very busy on match days as a result, both when fans enjoyed a drink or two before and after a trip to St James' Park or when they wanted to catch Eddie Howe's team in action on TV when they play away. However, by the end of March, the Grainger Tavern had closed down suddenly, with the last post to appear on its Facebook page made just a few days before Newcastle's historic Carabao Cup final victory and read: 'Just to let you no that the Grainger Tavern is CLOSED till further notice please don't ask me as I don't no why thanks and sorry for any inconvenience.' The Grainger Tavern re-opened right before Christmas, with the promise of 'live sport and cracking drink deals in the heart of the city,' and, while January is typically a month that pubs go through a quiet spell, as people attempt a New Year health kick, do Dry January or just want to save some money after Christmas, the Tavern doesn't look like it's struggled to get the punters in so far this month. After advertising its new disco karaoke nights on Fridays and Saturdays, with drink deals including pints from £2.30 and wine for £3, as well as coverage of NUFC games, the pub has since posted photos of a packed bar of customers and is now gearing up for a busy time on Wednesday, when Newcastle return to Champions League action against PSV. We have a dedicated newsletter for What’s On news and reviews. It’s free and you can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East.