New managers take over Crofters pub in Roose, Barrow

Mel Pugh and Stuart Duff are the managers of the Thwaites-owned pub Crofters on Holbeck Park Avenue, Roose. They previously managed The Derby Inn on Dalton Road for seven years. 

"We've always been in the pub trade, I like the pub trade," said Mel.

"We've always liked Crofters as it's quite a local pub - we are literally around the corner. The previous landlords are friends of ours and they said they were giving it up."

The previous landlords, Jon and Jill Wheeler, retired after 13 years of running the pub. They hosted their retirement party saying goodbye to Crofters on Saturday, January 27. 

Jon and Jill Wheeler when they took over Crofters (Image: Newsquest)

The pair took over the pub this month and launched their moving-in party on Saturday, February 24. "It was absolutely amazing," Mel said. "There was so much support. There were lots of locals coming to it as well." 

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Mel said despite the pub being Thwaites-owned, the brewery gives them the freedom to change the pub and what it offers. Because they have only just started running the business, they have not reviewed the beer selection but they are looking at putting in a 'brand-new' cocktail menu.  

The pub will continue to offer food. 

"I think it's going to be a challenge," Mel said. "But I don't find it overwhelming." 

Barrow's longest-running festival happens at Crofters. Last year's Croft Rock marked the 11th edition of the festival, which the pub builds a stage for each year. It draws in hundreds of people throughout the day, which usually happens in May. Mel said that the pub would start preparing for this year's festival soon.  

In 2007, under the tenure of Maggie and Geoff Pattinson, the pub was declared the 'best pub in the north' by the Northern Hospitality Awards.