Traditional community pub with international welcome set to be a winning formula

If you’re searching for a traditional, community pub then look no further than The Dukes Head in the heart of Wokingham town centre.

Run by Michael McDougall and his wife Sabina, the pub serves wholesome food including Sunday lunch, in addition to catering for functions and offering five ensuite bedrooms.

As well as creating a typical English pub atmosphere, the couple are also offering a more international feel. Originally from Azerbaijan, Sabina’s mother-tongue is Russian, and the pair are keen to offer Ukrainian nationals somewhere to come together.

Michael said: “We would like to welcome anyone who feels isolated or would like to get together with people from their own country and speak in their own language. We are hoping to run coffee & natter mornings so those forced to leave their own country feel included.”

The couple knows only too well what it’s like to be separated from loved ones. Originally from the Lake District, Michael was on a work trip to Azerbaijan when they met. They spent 10 years in Albania before an earthquake forced them to flee. Visa issues meant

Sabina had to return to Azerbaijan and Michael back to the UK and then Covid hit. They were separated for many months before being re-united in August 2021 – so they have a real empa- thy for what the Ukrainians are going through.

The family-friendly pub has plenty of parking as well as a beer garden and also welcomes dog. The couple share the cooking and serve up a mean Sunday lunch with two meats on offer as well as all the trimmings including Yorkshire puddings, offering excellent value for money. And although they have built up a regular discerning clientele who appreciates the traditional pub grub, Sabina is keen to develop their palates by introducing some of her national flavours to the menu.

The Dukes Head has its own darts team which won the league’s second division this season, as well as holding regular live music evenings and karaoke nights.

With two children of their own, Michael and Sabina know what families demand – tasty food at value-for-money prices. And their warm welcome to all who step across their threshold is sure to be a winning formula.