JUST 12 months after taking on their first pub in Warrington, Mujdat and Joanna Karatus are celebrating after taking on their third premises in the town.
Last year they moved into the Rams Head pub in old Grappenhall village, where it has been business as usual with the same team, followed by the Rope and Anchor at Woolston and now the historic Saracens Head on Wilderspool Causeway.
They have big plans for the pub which still includes the former Greenall’s boardroom, including a brand new gin and presecco bar which they aim to have open before Christmas.
They have already got the place rocking with regular live band nights and they are also looking to engage with the business community, making use of the former Greenalls’s boardroom.
“This pub has great potential,” said Mujdat. “Nearly everyone in Warrington knows the Saracens Head but just walk or drive passed it.
“We are looking to get involved in the local community like we have at Grappenhall and will ensure the food is high quality and good value, using our tried and trusted suppliers.”
Mujdat and his wife Joanna have made their home upstairs at the Ram’s Head which is next door to the primary school where she used to work as a teacher.
Born in Stockton Heath and also having worked at St Matthew’s Primary School in Stretton and Grappenhall Heys Primary School, Joanna is well known in the local community.
“We have developed lots of great relationships in Warrington and love it here” said Mujdat, who has worked in the industry for 30 years, starting out as a part-time bar man at Statham Lodge in Lymm. He left as an assistant manger and went into the pub trade in 1995, starting his own business in 2001.
“Our motto is to create a friendly atmosphere, using fresh local produce as much as we can, while keeping good ales and serving fine wines.
“We believe your success is down to your staff as they are the soldiers on the ground. We have kept pretty much the same teams in each pub as they know their customers,” added Mujdat.
