Iconic city centre bar, Rosie’s has reopened following our £300,000 investment. Captain Will Welch of the Newcastle Falcons officially opened the pub on Thursday evening with Publicans David, Joanne and the Punch team.
Rosie’s Bar is popular with football fans, locals and visitors to the city, loved for its rich history and authentic look and feel.
Punch and their Publicans, multiple operators David Whitehead and Joanne Dwyer, saw huge potential in the upstairs trading space and shared an ambitious vision to bring a bit of Rosie’s history back to life.
Rosie’s has benefited from fantastic new decoration and improved bathroom facilities. The investment largely focussed on the refurbishment of the upstairs rooms which have been unused for a number of years.
The historic pub, located on Stowell Street, Newcastle, dates back to the Victorian era. Once owned by an Irish traveller, Rosie O’Shea and her partner Mr Alexander, who was said to be an unscrupulous character. Rosie was well known for serving good ale and for her nightly singing performances in the bar.
Rosie is said to have left the bar in around 1880 but her legacy lives on in the pub bearing her name.
The investment has completely transformed the upstairs trading space to create a more contemporary, open space with its own identity, Mr Alexander’s. With fixed booth seating, high stools and poser tables and quirky decoration Mr Alexander’s has been given a really cool and relaxed vibe.
Works have also included the creation of a new outdoor terrace. The sun terrace has a decking surface with glazed surrounds, attractive planters and festoon lighting. The terrace offers exceptional views of St. James’ Park and is accessible from the stairwell and the bar area.
Speaking about the investment Publican, David said “We are really excited to open Mr Alexander’s and to welcome customers old and new back to Rosie’s. Rosie’s is well loved within the local community and it was important to make sure it remained as authentic as it has always been. Mr Alexander’s offer’s customers something that is a little different, the investment has done this space really proud and I can’t wait for people to come and enjoy their time with us.”
Punch’s Operations Director, Mandy Southall said, “It’s fantastic to see Rosie’s back open and what has been created upstairs in Mr Alexander’s is truly epic. Having that shared vision with our Publicans, David and Joanne, is key and seeing that vision come to life is special. We are looking forward to seeing this community pub go from strength to strength.”
Mr Alexander’s will serve a wide range of specialist gins and premium spirits alongside craft and world beers. The pub investment has created 10 new jobs.
Social: https://www.facebook.com/RosiesBarNewcastle/
@RosiesBarNewcastle
Pictured: Mr Alexander’s internal shot – upstairs @ Rosie’s
Pictured: Rosie’s external
Address: Rosie’s Bar, 2 Stowell Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XQ