Careers & Property: Jobs for the girls

Pub landladies have been around for a long time and small-screen characters such as Bet Lynch, Peggy Mitchell and (if you can remember that far back) the redoubtable Annie Walker have set popular role models.

But in reality, the women who run pubs today are a different breed. Rather than using an acid remark to put down customers who won't do what they're told, these Amazons of the bar specialise in quality service, good food and friendly atmospheres.

In recent years more women have been attracted into the pub trade, especially the leased and tenanted sector, and they are often the ones setting the high standards customers now demand.

"We are seeing more women choosing to run a pub on their own as their own business," says Robin Tidd, a regional manager with Greene King Pub Partners, one company that encourages what it likes to call 'public housewives'. "Women who have brilliant social and organisational skills as well as business acumen are perfect for a pub operation."

Research conducted by Greene King last year showed the female personality people would most like to see as their landlady was Nigella Lawson - not someone you would typically associate with the Peggy Mitchells of this world.

Greene King's training and recruitment director Caroline Hollings sees the Nigella profile growing.

"The pub world is changing and women have certainly got what it takes to run pubs successfully," she says. "I'd like to see more take that step."

And the two experienced Greene King female licensees featured here and on the next page both agree there is a need to see more women taking the reins at pubs.Sue Bowler, the Queens Larder, Holborn

Age: 57

Years in pubs: 30

Do you feel that, as a woman, you are treated differently by your punters and staff?​

I think women pay more attention to detail, as naturally we are homemakers. Small details such as fresh flowers help attract more women into the pub and the higher standards we provide make customers more respectful of their surroundings.

Do you think women make better licensees than men? ​

I think women offer something different. We're perhaps more business-minded than men - I tend to treat my pub as a business, not a social affair.

Would you like to see more female licensees and, if so, how would you boost the numbers?​

Of course. The pub industry needs to appeal more to graduates, the business needs more business minded people. The stereotypical view of the landlord needs to go but it's going to take a lot of time.

What are your top tips for women who may be thinking of running a pub?​

1. Pay attention to detail - define your pub.

2. Train your staff well - they serve the people who put money in your till so they need to be high quality.

3. Present yourself and your pub to attract the customers you would like to see.

4. Get to know your target audience; you can't go wrong if you know what they want.

5. Set yourself a target of 110 per cent to achieve 95 per cent - you're a woman, so you can easily do it!Marie Dawes, the Bell, Reigate, Surrey

Age: 31

Years in pubs: 3

Do you feel that, as a woman, you are treated differently by your punters and staff?​

I'm definitely treated differently as a woman. Due to my height and age I'm often mistaken for being the daughter of the landlord! I think people often underestimate me because of my appearance but I have gained their respect because of that.

Do you think women make better licensees than men? ​

I wouldn't necessarily say they make better licensees, however, I do think women pay attention to the finer details that can really make a pub. It's naturally in-built and we know how to attract more women.

Would you like to see more female licensees and if so how would you boost the numbers?​

I would love to see more female licensees and I'm honestly not sure why there aren't more women in this business. It's a great job, I have an excellent work-life balance even though the initial year of setting up on your own is difficult, the rewards outweigh it. We need to let more women know that. After all, people skills are essential in this job, and what woman doesn't like a good natter? It's the ideal job!

What are your top tips for women who may be thinking of running a pub?​

1. Invest in staff and their training - they are your biggest asset.

2. Delegate - if you can trust your staff you don't need to do everything yourself.

3. Maintain a work-life balance. You need to be able to enjoy the job and smile at your customers.

4. Work for a pub company to gain experience before you lease a pub to get a good understanding of the business.