Business Details
33 Years
experience
Historic Hotel & Pub in Downtown St. John's
Established in 1993, The Guv'nor Inn & Pub combines old-English tradition with Newfoundland hospitality to deliver a unique guest experience. Our property features meticulously maintained accommodations ranging from standard rooms to luxury suites, complemented by a pub serving British-inspired and local cuisine. We specialize in creating memorable events through our restored function spaces while maintaining a commitment to personalized service.With 24-hour reception, modern amenities, and strategic downtown location near cultural landmarks, we cater to both leisure and business travelers. Our team's decades of experience in hospitality ensure every guest receives the warmth and attention that have made us a local favorite.
Services
Hotel Accommodations
The Guv'nor Pub
Event Hosting
Gift Cards
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 27 years of hospitality experience in St. John's
- Our rooms feature modern amenities with historic charm
- We host events in restored English-style function rooms
- Our pub serves locally-brewed craft beers and Newfoundland cuisine
- We provide 24-hour reception and personalized service
What people say
Great service
Delicious food
Authentic ambiance
Wonderful atmosphere
Perfect event venue
Services
Hotel Accommodations
Our historic hotel offers 53 guest rooms including standard doubles, courtyard accommodations, and the luxury Sweeney Suite. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, mini-fridges, and air conditioning while maintaining English-inspired decor and exceptional cleanliness standards.
The Guv'nor Pub
This full-service pub serves British classics like Bangers & Mash alongside Newfoundland specialties such as Cod Tongue Dinner. Open nightly until midnight, it features local craft beers, a wine list, and weekly specials including Wing Night Tuesdays and weekend brunches.
Event Hosting
Our restored function rooms accommodate events from 15 to 128 guests. The Study and Drawing Room offer mahogany moldings, antique chandeliers, and modern amenities like high-speed internet. Ideal for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings with customized catering options.
Gift Cards
Available in any denomination, these cards provide flexible gifting options redeemable against hotel stays, pub meals, or catering services. Perfect for special occasions or corporate gifts with customizable denominations and presentation packaging.
Catering Services
We provide full catering for events held at our venue or off-site. Menu options include British-inspired dishes, Newfoundland cuisine, and international selections. Services include setup, staffing, and equipment rental for events ranging from small meetings to large receptions.
People
Brenda Lawlor
Co-Owner
Co-owner since 1993, Brenda Lawlor brings decades of hospitality experience to The Guv'nor Inn. She has cultivated the property's unique English-NL fusion concept through careful curation of decor and service standards.
Derrick Aylward
Co-Owner
Co-owner Derrick Aylward established The Guv'nor's foundation in 1993. His vision combines traditional English pub culture with Newfoundland warmth, creating the distinctive atmosphere that defines the property's success.
Rita Neary
General Manager
As General Manager, Rita Neary oversees daily operations with 20+ years of hospitality leadership. She maintains service excellence while managing staff training programs that reinforce The Guv'nor's commitment to personalized guest experiences.
Questions
What makes The Guv'nor Inn unique?
We combine historic English pub traditions with Newfoundland hospitality, featuring period decor, local cuisine, and personalized service in a 1950s-built property renovated in 1993.
Do you offer event hosting facilities?
Yes, our restored Study and Drawing Room host events for 15-128 guests with customized catering, AV equipment, and period ambiance ideal for weddings and conferences.
What dining options are available?
The Guv'nor Pub serves British classics, Newfoundland specialties like moose dishes, and international cuisine daily from 8am-10pm (weekdays) and extended hours on weekends.
Are there special packages available?
We offer seasonal promotions combining accommodations with dining credits and local activities like golf or fishing excursions. Contact reservations for current package deals.
How to book a room?
Book directly through our website, call 1-800-961-0092, or use major booking platforms. We recommend advance reservations during peak summer months and special events.
Reviews (6)
Tammy Blackmore
Dec 21, 2021
Report
Spent this past weekend @ the Gov’nor and the food was absolutely delicious!! We have eaten 4 meals there throughout the weekend and it was superb!! Very delicious and tasty. The staff was absolutely amazing and very, very friendly 😊 Nice and Cozy atmosphere and couldn’t ask for any better! We highly recommend the Guv’nor, both rooms and pub 😊
Jason Vorhees
Dec 15, 2021
Report
Came in for their all day breakfast, had the eggs benedict and a pint of Guinness. We were about the only table there. Food came out super quick and was perfect and the Bartender was right, he serves a mean pint of Guinness!!
Looking forward to a return visit.
Looking forward to a return visit.
Matt Temple
Dec 02, 2021
Report
Food was pretty disappointing. Asked to have the wings done half and half, and they said no. Had to order two separate orders, and they were both under sauced and tiny. French onion soup was flavourless. Cod tongues were good and the beer was cold.
Adam Warren
Nov 02, 2021
Report
The staff here are always great and friendly. I love the moose burger and gravy. They do need to update the online menu though as there is a ton if items no longer on the actual menu.
Noah Lanphear
Oct 27, 2021
Report
Was refused service because of where I'm living told that people from where I'm from are rowdy and can't book a room.
Melinda Walsh
Oct 12, 2021
Report
Good food. Reasonable prices, and friendly staff but dirty walls and curtains and could use a good cleaning and some brightness to drag it out of the 80's....very dark and dingy.
