A couple taking on their first Shepherd Neame pub together found they needed to hit the ground running as locals and visitors were queuing up to get back into the venue.
Carla Marsh outside The Juggs, Lewes
Fortunately, Greg Coleman and partner Carla Marsh had decades of experience in the hospitality industry behind them to cope with the demand as they re-opened The Juggs, in Lewes.
One of the prettiest pubs in Lewes, today’s passers-by are more likely to be walkers taking in the delights of the South Downs than the fishwives carrying their fish baskets — or ‘juggs’ as they used to be called — to the market in Lewes, after which the pub is named.
“It’s very unusual in the trade to have somewhere where you get footfall all the time,” said head chef Greg. “People walk over the Downs and they’re outside our door. The beauty of it is it’s such a nice place, with such a lot of history.”
Carla, who is front of house, added: “It’s been non-stop since we came in the door! We do know a lot of people because we are from the area, but also the locals feel like they have their pub back.”