Return to one of Leek’s oldest pubs for new landlord

A new landlord has taken over one of Leek’s oldest pubs, returning to the venue where he learnt the trade. 

Carlos Fernandes has taken the helm at The Wilkes Head on St Edward Street following the retirement of Malcolm Moger, who had been in charge for the past 25 years. 

He hopes to revamp the traditional pub whilst keeping a familiar feel and wants to bring the venue’s outside areas back into proper use – starting with the reintroduction of one of the festivals the pub is well known for. 

Carlos was offered the role after a seeking advice from Malcolm about another venture he was considering. 

He told Daily Focus: “The Wilkes Head is a pub for locals which attracts lots of different characters. It hasn’t changed in years, but people keep coming back because it is such a friendly place. 

“It is surreal to be back here managing it after so long. 

“I want to revamp it but keep the same feel and I’m hoping to bring back one of the festivals in September.” 

Carlos started working as a glass collector at the award-winning pub in the late 1990s before taking up a post behind the bar. 

He spent 12 years working there – and managing it for a brief period – before Malcolm took over. 

Carlos, who has returned to the town he grew up in for this role, has kept on two members of staff and has already applied for a grant to help with work which needs doing on the Grade II-listed building. 

The Wilkes Head usually hosts three festivals a year featuring music from local bands – Party in the Car Park, Wilkestock and Wilkestonbury.