A well-known pub in the centre of Newcastle is set for a new era under a different name and new ownership. New owners have taken on what was The Goose and then The Magpie and plan to transform the building and re-open it as The Gander.
Prime city centre location
When it comes to boozers in prime locations in the heart of Newcastle city centre, the large premises just along from The Gate and the neighbour of other drinking establishments like The Percy Arms and Three Bulls Heads, is one that has to be up there. Going back further, it was known as The Filament and Firkin and then Scruffy Murphy's, before it became The Goose, a pub many people of a certain age will have been in at least once or twice, thanks to its very budget friendly prices for food and drink.
Previous closures and relaunches
There was shock and sadness when The Goose suddenly closed down in September 2024, but it didn't stay empty or shut for long as it was taken on by new owners and relaunched as The Magpie, a really Geordie bar that had a big mural of famous North East stars at the centre of it, as well as famous quotes adorning its walls from legends like Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson.
Given its theme and its close proximity to St James' Park, it was little surprise that The Magpie became a favourite of NUFC fans, but it too went the same way as The Goose, with it closing for good in June, just 18 months after opening.
New name and refurbishment plans
With a brilliant spot in the heart of town, it was always likely that the pub would be snapped up and it has been, with it now taken on by well known hospitality chain Admiral Taverns, who have started to reveal their plans for it, including the new name of The Gander, a clear nod back to its former glory days.
In a post on Facebook, The Gander is being described as a brand new pub that is undergoing an extensive refurbishment, with no further details currently available and an opening date very much still to be confirmed.
