Licensee celebrates three decades at village pub

Maija Cartwright has been operating the Chequers in Sutton, Ely, which is owned by Admiral Taverns since 1992.

She started her hospitality career with her husband in the late 1980s when they took over another pub for three years before taking on the Chequers.

The duo ran the pub until recently when Maija’s husband passed away and she has continued to run the pub herself, continuing to support the local community.

Last weekend, Admiral business development manager Jean-Paul Russek visited Maija where she received a certificate of achievement, flowers, Champagne and a gift voucher from the pub company to recognise her achievement and service.

Community hub

A traditional village pub, the Chequers is a social hub for its local community and Maija has supported a variety of community initiatives and local charities during her time behind the bar.

It serves a selection of draught lager and cider, alongside real ale, wine and spirits as well as homemade food including pub classics such as lasagne, chilli con carne and curries.

Maija said: “The past 30 years at the Chequers have been amazing. I am so grateful to my team, the local community and Admiral Taverns for all the support.

“A lot has changed since taking over but I couldn’t be happier to be celebrating 30 years at the pub with all my fantastic customers and friends.

“I love it here and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

Long-term sustainable business

The pub also hosts regular entertainment such as monthly charity quizzes. To celebrate her anniversary, Maija put on a barbecue in collaboration with the Scouts – who will receive all the profits – for the community to enjoy while celebrating her time at the pub.

Admiral Taverns’ business development manager Jean-Paul Russek said: “A huge congratulations to Maija for such an incredible achievement and for reaching this milestone.

“Admiral is committed to working with passionate licensees who throw themselves into their pub and all aspects of community life.

“It has been a privilege working with her to make the Chequers a long-term sustainable business and we wish her the very best for the future.”