The Bodega, a historic pub on Westgate Road in Newcastle, has been included in The Telegraph's list of the best pubs in the UK for the first time in 2026. The pub, which is part of the Sir John Fitzgerald chain, is one of 29 North East venues to make the guide this year.
A pub with a rich history
The building is believed to be an 1872 rebuild of an earlier pub. Its first dome was constructed in 1906, followed by a second dome in 1937. Previously known as The Black Bull, with records dating to 1822, it was renamed The Bodega after a refurbishment in 1995. According to the pub's operators, Sir John Fitzgerald's staff refer to The Bodega as the place 'staff from other pubs go to'.
Recognition among North East pubs
The Telegraph's list includes 650 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The Bodega is a new entry for Tyne & Wear, joining other well-known local pubs such as The Free Trade Inn, Crown Posada, Central Bar, Cumberland Arms and The Tyne Bar. Other Sir John Fitzgerald pubs in Newcastle include The Crown Posada, Bacchus, and The Bridge Hotel, as well as Fitzgerald's in Gateshead.
Local significance
The Bodega has been a fixture in Newcastle for generations, known for retaining its traditional character rather than following modern trends. The pub's inclusion in the national list has been described as 'long overdue' by local observers. The venue is located on Westgate Road, near the Tyne Theatre, and remains a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
