Major investment to transform The Big Jug on Claypath Durham

Building work starts on 5^th February on a major £400,000 upgrade of The Big Jug on Claypath in Durham by Star Pubs & Bars and its new licensees, Craig and Stacey Wright.  The pub will be reopen mid-March in time for Easter with 10 jobs being created on the back of the investment.

Craig and Stacy already run the well regarded and popular City in Durham city centre and The Green village pub in in Billy Row Crook.  Their plans for The Big Jug are to create a top quality local with a relaxed sociable atmosphere ensuring it has a broad appeal to locals, students and visitors. Live music will be a major feature with different acts, such as bands and an open mic night, on two to four times a week.  The pub will also show live sports daily and offer grab-and-go style food such as pizzas, paninis and sharing boards.

There will be drinks to suit all tastes including classic lagers, Gamma Ray & Neck Oil craft beers, premium spirits, ciders and wines, cocktails, a good selection of low and no options and barista style coffee. 

The latest dispense technology is being installed to improve the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider. The Smart Dispense System’s unique cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20% more energy efficient than standard systems, keeping cider and beer colder.  Other energy efficiency works will range from adding insulation and motion-sensor lighting to installing technology that will turn off drinks fridges when no movement is detected behind the bar and switch off cellar cooling equipment when the surrounding temperature is low enough.

The sympathetic revamp of the Grade 2 pub will see a top to toe redecoration of the interior and increase covers from 37 to 69.  A new live performance area will be created, and new booth and freestanding mid height furniture and high poseur style tables and chairs installed. The walls will be covered with rustic timber and painted panels together with a mural and neon decorative lighting. New wrought iron work will enhance the bar and stair area.

The loos are to be upgraded and the upstairs function room and bar redecorated. Four new TVs will enable live sport to be viewed throughout the pub including in the function room.

The pub’s exterior is to be given a complete makeover, repainted blue and white with new signage and lighting.  To the rear there will be a new seating area for 16 with festoon lighting, and planting.

Craig says: “The Big Jug will go from run down to warm and inviting.  It will be a real transformation both for the pub and that part of the city.  There aren’t many places in Durham that host regular live music.  Our pub, The City, is one of the few other places.  The upstairs function room with its own private bar is also a rarity in Durham.   It will be available for private parties, christenings as well as for work do’s and meetings, student quizzes and charity nights.   We’ll also have Big Jug loyalty schemes for regulars and discounts for students.”

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Lance Green says: “Craig and Stacey are experienced and successful pub operators with a detailed knowledge of the Durham market.  They have totally transformed the fortunes of their other two pubs and will do the same with The Big Jug.  We’re delighted to be investing with Craig and Stacey as The Big Jug hasn’t had a proper revamp for 10 years.  It needed the right people to take it on, which it now has.  I wish Craig and Stacey success with their latest venture.”