Licensees’ joy on reaching combined 60 years behind the bar

Sheila Khagan and Vicki Phillips of the Sack of Potatoes, Birmingham, will celebrate 30 years of service in the hospitality industry in April and May respectively.

After first working together in 1992 at the Gosta Green in Birmingham, Khagan and Phillips, who is general manager at the Sack of Potatoes, have formed a close friendship, having even gone on holidays together, and have been making memories and connections with customers at the Sack of Potatoes for the past 15 years.

Brilliant milestone

Phillips said: “I cannot believe how quick the last 30 years have gone.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it, this is a brilliant milestone to have achieved and it is amazing to be able to share it with Sheila.

“There have been some amazing memories that have been made, it is hard to pick a favourite.

“I would have to say meeting fellow colleagues and customers over time has been a highlight, it has been lovely getting to know everyone so well and seeing the same faces come back into the pub.” 

Honour for Craft Union

This comes as Stonegate’s managed division, Craft Union Pub Company in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, won Best Community Pub Operator at the Publican Awards 2022 on Wednesday 30 March at Evolution, London and hosted by Paddy McGuiness. 

Furthermore, Stonegate was also awarded Best Employer of The Year at the British Credit Control Awards 2022.​

Phillips added: “I am privileged to have been able to work with Sheila for the last 30 years, she is a really great friend of mine and I hope to have many more years of service and memories with her.

“Sheila is a true asset to The Sack of Potatoes and is loved by both the staff and customers. She does so much for myself, the pub and everyone else, I just want to say a huge thank you.”