North East operators Craig and Stacey Wright have added a third pub to their portfolio, The Big Jug on Claypath in Durham. They are doing a big 400k pub upgrade with Star Pubs & Bars. The pub will reopen in mid-March in time for Easter, and the investment will create 10 jobs.
Craig and Stacey run the already well-respected and popular City in Durham city centre, another Star Pubs & Bars charter pub, and The Green in Billy Row Crook, a free-market venue 20 minutes west of Durham city.
Their plan for The Big Jug is to create a top quality local with a relaxed sociable atmosphere and ensure it appeals to locals, students and visitors. Live music will be an important part of various performers, such as bands and an open mic night, two to four times a week. The pub also shows live sports daily and offers grab-and-go style food such as pizzas, paninis and charcuterie boards.
With the sympathetic renovation of the Grade 2 pub, the covers will increase from 37 to 69. In addition to the new interior and furniture, a new live performance area will be created, the lodges will be updated, and the upstairs party room and bar will be redecorated. Four new televisions allow sports to be watched throughout the pub, including the ballroom.
Energy efficiency efforts range from adding insulation and motion sensor lighting to installing technology that turns off beverage refrigerators when no movement is detected behind the bar and turns off basement cooling equipment when the ambient temperature is low enough. In addition, the Smart Dispense system is 20% more energy efficient than standard dispensing systems.
The appearance of the pub will be renewed, with new signs and lighting. In the back, there will be a new seating area for 16 people with festoon lighting and artificial plantings.
Craig says: “There aren’t many places in Durham that host live music on a regular basis. Our other pub, The City, is one of the few other venues. Also, an upstairs ballroom with its own bar is a rarity in Durham. As well as giving pubs a reason to come out, it’s important , that they continue to nurture grassroots music.
“We are lucky that Durham attracts people from all over the world – students and tourists. The pubs we run have a broad appeal and something for everyone. They have loyalty programs and discounts for students. Our current pubs are doing really well – the village pub sells around 600 pints a week and The City sold 77,000 pints in 2023. Both pubs are decorated to a high standard, offering customers a great environment and quality food and drink. When I started working in pubs 18 years ago, people wanted regular drinks; now selling premium products.”
Lance Green, Business Development Manager at Star Pubs & Bars, says: “Craig and Stacey are experienced and successful pub operators with an intimate knowledge of the Durham market. They have turned around their two other pubs and are doing the same with The Big Jug. We are delighted to be investing with Craig and Stacey .Big Jug needed the right people to take it to where it is now.I wish Craig and Stacey every success in their latest venture.