Emma Gibbon: Owner of The Plough and the Hewlett in Cheltenham
As well as running two pubs, Gibbon is also proud to be a BII Ambassador, wife, mum of three children and one dog and has a strong passion for great pubs.
- How long have you worked in the industry?
My husband and I took our first pub 11 years ago, but I took my first pub job at 18, which was a very long time ago!
- How have things changed during this time?
The entire pub world has changed during my time. The change in general lifestyle along with Government enforced changes means the industry has had to move and adapt very quickly.
The range and choice we now have in terms of food and drink offerings is huge. Pubs are now finding individual ways to stand out and are putting on unique and fantastic events in attempts to diversify and attract new customers.
Pubs have become safer spaces where communities gather, celebrate events and come together to socialise.
- What has been the biggest difference for women in the sector and how has this impacted your experience?
Women have become more prominent in the sector. Where it was once a very male dominated industry, we now see women in the industry gaining the respect of their peers.
There are far more women running great pubs, brewing great beer and working in senior positions in the industry. We see companies now recognising the role women play, as well as slowly learning how to support them through the various stages n their lives, be that motherhood, menopause or general mental wellbeing.
I don’t think that would have even been spoken about when I first set out in the industry; it allows us to feel a sense of empowerment and gives women the confidence they can have a career in this sector while feeling supported and respected.
It’s great to see respected hospitality figures such as Kate Nicholls and Emma McClarkin leading the way for women in the industry.
- What would your advice be to women joining the industry now?
Stand your ground and push for what you believe in. We are getting to the point of equality between men and women in the industry, but we aren’t quite there yet.
It would be great to see more female CEOs in pubcos as women have so much to offer at the top. Aim high, the opportunities are there.
Kirsty McLeod: Business development manager for Star Pubs
McLeod says she fell in love with pubs while working part time in bars at college and joined Heineken 10 years ago, after working in retail. She now oversees 30 pubs in Scotland, half of which are headed up by female licensees.
- How have things changed during your time in the industry?
The most noticeable change of the last decade has been a big in increase in the number of women working in all areas of the sector, including in previously very male-dominated roles, such as area management.
- What has been the biggest difference for women in the sector and how has this impacted your experience?
Seeing more women take on senior management and board-level roles – both within Star Pubs and other companies – has been very inspiring. There’s now a clear and established career path for women who want to progress to the highest level.
- What would your advice be to women joining the industry now?
This is an exciting and challenging industry, where there are lots of career options and you can work your way up.
Work for what you want. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, go out and find them and grab them with both hands. The sector is still male dominated. If you’re the only woman, don’t feel intimidated; have faith in your abilities and skills and speak up.
Be open minded. Don’t assume there’s bias out there and handle it lightly if you come across it. Nobody at Heineken has ever treated me differently for being a woman. Most of my bosses have been men, and they’ve all been very supportive of my development.
I find the best way of handling bias is not to take offence but to demonstrate my capabilities and do my job professionally and to a high level, proving that women and men are equals.
I’ve learned a lot from some of the fantastic licensees on my area. There are many great people with good ideas in the industry who are happy to share their experience. Have the confidence to go out and talk to them.
Emma Harrison: Managing director the Three Hills at Bartlow
Harrison has been managing director of the award-winning Cambridgeshire pub for the past seven years and has seen the site flourish during this time.
- How long have you worked in the industry?
I entered the hospitality industry nine years ago with no prior experience, when friends approached me to oversee the renovation of a small rural pub.
Before this, I had a background in retail, and prior to starting my family, I worked in investment banking. Although these experiences provided valuable skills, nothing truly prepared me for the dynamic and exhilarating challenge of transforming the Three Hills into what it is today.
Each step of this journey has reinforced my admiration for the dedication, collaboration, and strong sense of community that define this industry. I love my Three Hills family!
- How have things changed during this time?
The industry has evolved in many ways. From the growing emphasis on workplace culture and employee well-being to the push for more diversity in leadership roles, we’ve seen positive changes that are making hospitality a more inclusive and rewarding career path for many.
It is also an industry that never stands still. We have had to seek new ways to survive and grow in these challenging times - which means the challenge never gets old.
- What has been the biggest difference for women in the sector and how has this impacted your experience?
At the Three Hills, I have always felt comfortable in my environment, whether working with men or women. Our kitchen maintains a balanced mix of both, while our front-of-house team tends to be predominantly female-led.
One of the most notable shifts in the industry has been the rise of female-led kitchens, a trend I have observed with both gratitude and keen interest. This development is incredibly positive, as it encourages more women to join and thrive in this wonderfully flexible industry.
- What would your advice be to women joining the industry now?
Be confident in your abilities, speak up for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Hospitality can be a demanding industry, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and mentors, and never stop learning. There’s room for women at every level, and your voice and skills are valuable.
Becky Kean: Founder of Nirvana Brewery
Kean founded the dedicated no and low brewery in 2016 and says the category has exploded since then.
- How long have you worked in the industry?
Nearly a decade now.
- How have things changed during this time?
There’s a lot more women in both the no and low drinks and beer space now.
Having some trailblazing female beer writers has really helped too – after all, just like with whisky, why can’t a woman appreciate a great beer, whether it’s no and low or not?
- What has been the biggest difference for women in the sector and how has this impacted your experience?
An acceptance of our opinion and acknowledgment of the skills that women in the industry have. That’s made for a far more enjoyable and accessible industry; I don’t get the raised eyebrow effect when I run tastings sessions anymore!
- What would your advice be to women joining the industry now?
Put simply, you’re joining because you love beer! Never lose track of that fact – and never feel the need to defend your opinion just because of your sex.
Luckily, most of the dinosaurs in brewing have died out, so it’s now every bit as accessible and welcoming as any other modern, progressive, industry.
Charly Westcott: Senior Design Manager at NEOS Hospitality
Westcott found her passion when she began working in hospitality, which is bringing brands like NEOS to life.
She says she loves shaping the company’s visual identity and thrives on adaptability, creativity, and mentoring the next generation of designers in this fast-paced and ever-evolving sector.
- How long have you worked in the industry?
I’ve been in the creative industry for more than 10 years, with the bulk of my experience in publishing sector and entered into the wild world of hospitality in 2020.
- How have things changed during this time?
The way people interact with hospitality spaces has really evolved, design is no longer just about posters and signage, but about creating immersive brand experiences both online and in-person.
Another major shift was the pandemic, which forced businesses to be more agile.
There’s also been a real shift in recognising and valuing female leadership in hospitality, but there’s still work to do.
- What has been the biggest difference for women in the sector and how has this impacted your experience?
Hospitality is often male-dominated, but now, more women are stepping into leadership positions and making a significant impact.
Having strong female mentors, has been inspiring for me, and I strive to do the same for the next generation. I’ve learned that being a strong, confident woman in this industry isn’t just accepted - it’s necessary.
- What would your advice be to women joining the industry now?
Be confident in your skills and trust your instincts. There’s still a tendency for women to second-guess themselves in male-dominated spaces, but your voice and perspective are valuable.
Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, seek mentors, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Hospitality design is fast-paced and ever-changing, but that also means there’s room for innovation, creativity, and fresh ideas and we should all embrace that.
