PICTURESQUE PUB THE JUGGS REOPENS TO THE DELIGHT OF VISITORS TO THE DOWNS AND LOCALS ALIKE

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 picturesque pub in its perfect spot on the South Downs.

Fortunately, Greg Coleman and partner Carla Marsh had decades of experience in the hospitality industry behind them to cope with the demand as they reopened The Juggs in Lewes, near Brighton.

One of the prettiest pubs in Lewes, situated in a quiet, leafy village lane, today’s passers-by are more likely to be walkers taking in the delights of the Downs than the fishwives carrying their fish baskets – or ‘juggs’ as they used to be called - to the market in Lewes which the pub is named after.

Head Chef Greg, 53, who has had a long career running restaurant and pub kitchens, said: “It’s very unusual in the trade to have somewhere where you get footfall all the time. 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, 46, who is now running Front of House at the pub in The Street, Lewes, adds: “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!”

Although the pair have plenty of experience behind them, their venture running The Juggs – ably assisted by Elsie the border terrier – is their first venture together. 

And their business plan catered for all their talents, including Greg’s expertise in the kitchen,  which has meant a revamped menu of pub classics, fish dishes and an a la carte menu which will change seasonally.

Plus his signature homemade focaccia bread and sandwiches are on the menu and no visit would be complete without trying The Juggs bhaji smuggler, a vegetarian delight of Bombay mix, pickled red onion and coriander chutney.

Carla’s cake-making skills also haven’t been forgotten, and she tries to bake a cake every Tuesday and Wednesday – something which has become both popular and a running joke with locals, but does occasionally have to go without icing due to the job of running a very busy pub!

The building, originally built in the 14th century and added to over the years before being turned into a pub in the early 80s, has also had a thorough refresh, being repainted outside with new signage, a revamp of the large outside garden, as well as some refurbishment inside including new toilets. The team is also a mixture of old and new, with some long-serving members staying including Deputy Manager Jack Walker, while others have joined. 

Greg and Carla, along with their 16 team members, celebrated the official start to their Juggs life at a private launch party with family and friends last month.