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Network & Services
Kickstart helps Polish restaurant
An authentic taste of Poland right in the heart of the city
Telegraph & Argus
Wednesday 8th July 2009
By Chris Holland
A Bradford city centre pub has been given a new lease of life, reopening as a Polish bar, restaurant and music venue called Balanga.
New owner John Poltorak has converted the former Market Tavern in Godwin Street, adjoining the Kirkgate Centre.
He hopes the new venue will become even better-known for its draught Polish beers, Polish food and good music.
John is hoping a sizeable local population of people with Eastern European backgrounds or connections will provide a solid base for the new venture.
There are around 10,000 Polish people living in the district, along with hundreds from other Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Slovakia.
But John, who previously worked as an accountant and IT consultant, hopes Balanga will be popular with a wide range of locals and visitors following extensive refurbishment.
He says: “There is no other bar in Bradford where you can find John Smith’s Yorkshire bitter on sale alongside Poland’s best-selling draught beer, Zywiec.
“I am delighted with the growth in business we are now seeing as more people hear about Balanga and want to enjoy our beers, vodkas and excellent food cooked by Polish chefs.”
The son of Polish parents, John was born in Bradford, attended St Bede’s Grammar School, and then gained a degree in Business Studies at Bradford University’s School of Management.
He acknowledges the assistance he has received from Bradford Kickstart which has helped more than 850 new businesses to begin trading in just over three years, as well as supporting more than 2,000 existing businesses and social enterprises.
During the business planning and launch phase, John attended the University of Bradford’s Amaze Yourself course, which is backed by Kickstart, and received practical business support from David Humphreys and Andrew Gibson, business coaches with Kickstart partner BizFizz. As the business develops, he is being assisted by George Nash, a business growth adviser with Manningham-based ATL Enterprise, another Kickstart partner.
John was also able to obtain professional legal advice, using Kickstart’s professional services scheme, from Bradford-based law firm Gordons, where fellow Polish citizen descendant Simon Mydlowski handled complex leasing issues on his behalf.
Commercial property solicitor Simon says: “John has a very clear vision for Balanga, and that is exactly what is needed in a sector as competitive as the licensed trade.
“With his dedication and entrepreneurial skills he is best placed to make this venture a great success.”
Balanga: Godwin Street, Bradford, tel: (01274) 739112; Kickstart information: (0800) 9539503.
Wednesday 8th July 2009
By Chris Holland
A Bradford city centre pub has been given a new lease of life, reopening as a Polish bar, restaurant and music venue called Balanga.
New owner John Poltorak has converted the former Market Tavern in Godwin Street, adjoining the Kirkgate Centre.
He hopes the new venue will become even better-known for its draught Polish beers, Polish food and good music.
John is hoping a sizeable local population of people with Eastern European backgrounds or connections will provide a solid base for the new venture.
There are around 10,000 Polish people living in the district, along with hundreds from other Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Slovakia.
But John, who previously worked as an accountant and IT consultant, hopes Balanga will be popular with a wide range of locals and visitors following extensive refurbishment.
He says: “There is no other bar in Bradford where you can find John Smith’s Yorkshire bitter on sale alongside Poland’s best-selling draught beer, Zywiec.
“I am delighted with the growth in business we are now seeing as more people hear about Balanga and want to enjoy our beers, vodkas and excellent food cooked by Polish chefs.”
The son of Polish parents, John was born in Bradford, attended St Bede’s Grammar School, and then gained a degree in Business Studies at Bradford University’s School of Management.
He acknowledges the assistance he has received from Bradford Kickstart which has helped more than 850 new businesses to begin trading in just over three years, as well as supporting more than 2,000 existing businesses and social enterprises.
During the business planning and launch phase, John attended the University of Bradford’s Amaze Yourself course, which is backed by Kickstart, and received practical business support from David Humphreys and Andrew Gibson, business coaches with Kickstart partner BizFizz. As the business develops, he is being assisted by George Nash, a business growth adviser with Manningham-based ATL Enterprise, another Kickstart partner.
John was also able to obtain professional legal advice, using Kickstart’s professional services scheme, from Bradford-based law firm Gordons, where fellow Polish citizen descendant Simon Mydlowski handled complex leasing issues on his behalf.
Commercial property solicitor Simon says: “John has a very clear vision for Balanga, and that is exactly what is needed in a sector as competitive as the licensed trade.
“With his dedication and entrepreneurial skills he is best placed to make this venture a great success.”
Balanga: Godwin Street, Bradford, tel: (01274) 739112; Kickstart information: (0800) 9539503.
