Pub boss turns Shields boozer The Jester around

Karl Briggs, manager of The Jester, in Tasmania Road, Brockley Whins, South Shields, admits his has been viewed in a negative light by local residents for some time.

Disruption and regular visits from the police gave the boozer a rowdy reputation, but Mr Briggs says there’s now a family-friendly atmosphere.

The 46-year-old, from South Shields, said: “The pub has completely turned around now.

“It had a very bad reputation, but it’s under new management and things have changed.

“There’s more of a focus on food and there’s a really family-friendly atmosphere.”

He added: “Our Sunday carvery became so popular that we started doing it seven days a week and we’ve got loads of deals on.

“The pub’s reputation took quite a hiding from things that have happened here over the years, but we want people to know it’s not the same pub now.”

The venue has been given a fresh look with a makeover and Mr Briggs says it now attracts a very different type of clientele.

The dad-of-eight added: “We’ve done a lot of work to the pub and the atmosphere is feeling so much better.

“It’s got much more of a friendly feel now and it’s catered more towards families and older people. It’s a hive of activity on a Sunday, it’s always absolutely buzzing and it’s like a totally different place to what it was before.

“We’ve got quite a good reputation on the ‘NorthEast Foodies’ Facebook page as well.

“We have darts and pool teams too and we offer a bit of everything. It’s an old pub with a new feel and I hope people come along to give it a chance.”