Couple ‘come home’ to run Saracen’s Head

July 30, 2025

Claire & Mick Sugg (centre) with marketing manager Chris Keating (left) and chief executive Tom Davies, at the Brakspear Awards 2024

Sonning’s loss is Henley’s gain as business owners Mick & Claire Sugg move from The Hare & Hounds, which they ran for 10 years, to become the new business owners at The Saracen’s Head.

Claire & Mick grew up in Henley, and Claire visited The Saracen’s as a teenager – in fact, she had her first ever drink there! She said:

“The Saracen’s has just got so many great memories for us. On Sundays, everybody would meet up here and we would always have the table in the window.

“Everyone would play cards, then play pool. Then you would go home and have your roast dinner but then come back and play cards again.”

The Suggs have previously run pubs in the area, including The Red Lion in Peppard Common and The Butcher’s Arms in Sonning Common and before that, Claire’s family ran several pubs in Henley including the Anchor in Friday Street and the former Basketmakers Arms in Gravel Hill. She said: “My mum grew up in pubs because her grandparents ran quite a few and I think it is sort of in the blood.”

Mick & Claire turned The Hare & Hounds into a thriving pub, with a stunning garden which won them the Brakspear Green Fingers Award in 2024. They also won the Best Cellar Award at the pub, thanks to Mick’s dedication to serving a great pint, every time!