Full Circle Brew Co, a brewery based in Byker, will open its first-ever pub inside Fenwick Newcastle next month. The venue will feature 12 taps and two cask lines, serving Full Circle’s own beers alongside a rotating selection from independent breweries across the UK.
For the last seven years, Full Circle Brew Co has operated from Hoults Yard, where it transformed an empty warehouse into a brewery, taproom and events space. The business is a spin-off of The Pip Stop, the retail division of the Lanchester Group of businesses based in Annfield Plain. Founder Ben Cleary settled on Hoults Yard as the brewery’s home, naming it Full Circle Brew Co in a nod to his grandparents, who had worked in the pub and beer trade.
A city centre showcase for independent brewing
The company has grown to become an established name in the independent brewing sector, with beers sold across the UK and exported to 12 countries. Regular guest beers, collaborations and tap takeovers are planned, with Full Circle aiming to create a city centre showcase for independent brewing rather than a venue focused solely on its own range.
Food will also feature, with the brewery teaming up with Newcastle street food vendor Peckin’ Order to serve its fried chicken and smash burgers from the new pub. The pub will be located on the first floor of the store, in the space previously occupied by the Golden Flake Tavern, the 2025 collaboration between Fenwick and fellow North East retail giant Greggs. Full Circle already has close links to the site, having brewed the exclusive collaboration beers served at the Golden Flake Tavern.
Plans for guest beers and events
Mr Cleary said: “Opening our first pub is a huge moment for us and we couldn’t think of a better place to do it than in the heart of Newcastle. We’ve always wanted Full Circle to be about more than just brewing our own beer.
“We love great pubs and everything that comes with them, and having Peckin’ Order serving their food alongside the beers is a massive part of what we want the venue to be. There’ll be plenty of Full Circle on the bar, but we also want to use the space to champion other brilliant independent breweries.
“With guest beers, collaborations and tap takeovers planned, there should always be something different for people to try. Fenwick is such an iconic part of Newcastle and, having already worked with Fenwick and Greggs on the Golden Flake Tavern, taking over the space feels like a really exciting and natural next step for us.
“Our brewery and taproom in Ouseburn will always be our home, but opening our first dedicated pub gives us the opportunity to bring Full Circle to a completely new audience in the city centre. We can’t wait to get the doors open.”
Fenwick welcomes the new venue
Kieran McBride, store director at Fenwick Newcastle, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Full Circle Brew Co to Fenwick Newcastle and to continue our support of the city’s thriving independent food and drink scene. Full Circle is a fantastic local business with a strong community spirit, and we’re excited to see them bring their first city-centre pub to life at Fenwick Newcastle. We look forward to welcoming both our customers and community to the new venue this October.”
Full Circle Brew Co has received a number of industry awards, with flagship Looper IPA winning Gold in the keg IPA category at SIBA BeerX in both 2022 and 2024, as well as Gold at the Asia Beer Awards in 2023 and FHA Beer Awards in 2024. It has also been recognised at the SIBA Business Awards for its community engagement, brewery webshop and collaborative partnerships with Fenwick, Greggs and more. Further details of the opening date and launch events will be announced in the coming weeks.
