An interview with Jo Straker

‘It’s a tough time for restaurants’

Jo Straker, co-owner of William & Victoria and Carriages

By Rachel Auty

Jo Straker is co-owner and director of William & Victoria (W&V) in Harrogate, an independent restaurant and wine bar owned by the Straker family since 1982. I caught up with her to find out more about W&V and the brand new addition to the business portfolio.

First of all tell me about William & Victoria…

William & Victoria was the first wine bar to open in Harrogate back in the 80s and we still have a big emphasis on wines. We serve mostly traditional British food with a few influences from around the world. There’s a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with a friendly and efficient service provided by our team led by David, my husband.

What’s your background, and how did you get involved in the restaurant business?

My background is in graphic design and I worked at small design agencies before joining a marketing team at a large professional services company in Leeds, where I worked for 10 years. After starting our family, I encouraged David to take the plunge and we bought the business from his brother, Robin. This allowed me to support the business while looking after our three children. My role has been predominantly to look after the website, marketing and social media which has become an important part of building the W&V brand and getting the message out there.

You’ve recently made a new acquisition - tell us about that.

We had been considering some options for a new challenge and then we were approached in February to see if we would be interested in taking on Carriages in Knaresborough. We felt the two businesses had a similar ethos and would compliment each other whilst not being in direct competition. We completed on 29 July and our feet have not touched the floor since!

What are your plans for Carriages - what’s the vision?

The vision is to keep it as one of the most ‘go to’ eateries in Knaresborough. We want to bring

on the existing team of staff and enhance what is already a fantastic place. Carriages has a huge loyal following and we want to build on the already great reputation for offering good food in inviting and atmospheric surroundings ….. Sound familiar?

What was it about Carriages that appealed?

We felt it had a similar vibe to W&V and was already established but has areas that can be improved and strengthened. It also has the best beer garden in Knaresborough!

Do you have plans to continue to further grow your restaurant/bar portfolio?

Never say never. It is a tough time for restaurants and local businesses with rising costs and ever increasing pressure from new restaurants opening up. Right now we need to concentrate on what we already have and making it the best it can possibly be.

With so many restaurants closing in Harrogate over recent months, what do you believe is the key to the success of William & Victoria’s?

Consistency is key. We listen to and care about our customers. We believe a hands on approach is important.

What would your top tip be for someone starting out in the restaurant business?

Don’t do it unless you’re prepared to make huge sacrifices in your personal life and work extremely hard.

Describe your job in three words.

That’s not enough words! I do whatever is necessary - today it was decorating - but mostly marketing, tasting and organising.

Food & Drink