Fitzgerald's sold the whole pub group and all their pubs are open, apart from the Crown Posada, which was sold to a separate company. Talking to other publicans in Newcastle they don't know what is going on with the place, and it remains closed. They may be doing a refit, but nobody really knows what is happening. Hopefully it might be open by the time you get there. The nearby Bridge Hotel is still open and has a great range of beer, they don't do food anymore though, which is a shame.
Also the best Indian in Newcastle is close to the Crown Posada, called Rani, if you fancy a Ruby. Have a good trip