Our story

Sir John Fitzgerald Pubs and Bars have become a North East institution. However, not very many people know how some of the best loved pubs in the region were brought together under the SJF name.

Sir John Fitzgerald

Our story starts in Ireland in the 1850’s where a young John Fitzgerald decided to make the move to England. Above everywhere else, he chose to settle in Newcastle upon Tyne. John Fitzgerald was knighted in the 19th century in recognition of his services to Newcastle.

Today the Sir John Fitzgerald head office remains in Newcastle city centre where the legend began. We are passionate about our business and proud to be local.

Generations of Excellence

Sir John Fitzgerald has always remained a family concern and family ties have been core to the continued success of the company. Sir John Fitzgerald pubs have been an institution in the North East for generations.

We believe our success in ensuring some of the most famous pubs in the region continue to thrive is that our service and our drinks are second to none. 

Sir John Fitzgerald is not just a name but truly a legacy founded on a desire to enhance the lives of people in the north east.

The world of pubs and bars has changed dramatically over the years, things might have stood still however, the innovation of the current generation has ensured that whilst continually upholding our heritage, Sir John Fitzgerald has broadened the business into the world of food, remaining synonymous with quality, both for drinks and food.

Plans for the Future

We never stand still at Sir John Fitzgerald and are always looking for ways to offer our customers something new.

Although we have some pubs that have been around for over 100 years, we are not afraid to develop our own new properties too!  The Pavilion for example, a completely bespoke, spacious Great Food Pub that is perfect for the customer of today, while still retaining the “home from home” feel that we are famous for. Work is currently underway on a major refurbishment of The Briar Dene in Whitley Bay transforming the former seafront bar into a fabulous food pub.

The vision and spirit of Sir John Fitzgerald continues today. We have built strong relationships with many of our local suppliers who have been instrumental in contributing to the quality and ambience you will experience in our establishments and addressing the ever increasing demand for high standards in our industry.

More than ever our plans for the future remain focused on providing first class venues and hospitality.

A journey that begun in the 1850’s endures today, making Sir John Fitzgerald one of the best loved family firms in Newcastle.

We’re very proud to have our continued success recognised as the Winner of the “Business of the Year” at the Living North Awards 2016.