International Women’s Day 2024: Meet our all-female management team

Introducing our all-female management team at The Coomb Cellars. General Manager Jennifer, Assistant Manager Chloe and Head Chef Faye work collectively running the stylish pub and restaurant located in the heart of the picturesque town of Combeinteignhead.

Get to know our all-female management team and find out what it means to be a woman in the hospitality industry. 

Jennifer General Manager

Why did you choose to work at M&B?

I chose M&B because my grandad helped build the original head office in Birmingham and my grandma and grandad used to run the Drum Inn Cockington so I always thought M&B was a big thing in my family. I love the visions and values they follow and it’s just an all-round great company to be able to progress and make a career in hospitality with a lot of opportunities for women to become successful.

What does it mean to be a woman in hospitality?

It means a lot to be a woman in hospitality running all these amazing successful businesses.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

As a female leader I feel it is important to show compassion to other colleagues but also be a confident leader as some people are not used to having female leaders. I think it’s important to show equality in the workplace.

Who’s the first woman who inspired you?

The first women that inspired me would be my grandma, she has led many different lives and many different jobs in management in the past at a time when this wasn’t the easiest as it was very much a male ran industry.

How do you feel M&B supports you as a female working in hospitality?

I feel we are all supported equally, and this is very important to me.

What advice would you give to the new generations of women working in the hospitality industry?

Stand strong and be powerful and confident – women now have the opportunity to become leaders in a historically male-dominate industry. My advice is always your most authentic self and lead by example and inspire others to always give their best.

Chloe Assistant Manager

Why did you choose to work at M&B?

I chose M&B for the great development schemes they have. It’s also a supportive work environment if you are looking for progression.

What does it mean to be a woman in hospitality?

It feels empowering to be a Female leader in hospitality especially as we have an all-female management team.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Being a younger female leader in hospitality has taught me to be more confident and stand up for myself in such a male ran industry.

Who’s the first woman who inspired you?

The first woman to inspire me would be my mum who while raising 4 young children still perused her career in running multiple businesses. 

How do you feel M&B supports you as a female working in hospitality?

I feel we are supported very well.

What advice would you give to the new generations of women working in the hospitality industry?

My advice is to always be confident in yourself and do not let anyone put you off what could be your lifelong career.

Faye Head Chef

Why did you choose to work at M&B?

I chose to work for M&B because I had worked for them in the past and they have a good support system and great benefits.

What does it mean to be a woman in hospitality?

Being a woman in hospitality means being equal.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Be your strong self!! Hold your head high and don’t take any rubbish, be proud of who you are.

Who’s the first woman who inspired you?

My mum was the first woman to inspire me- she worked in hospitality as I was growing up and she was a hard-working amazing mum.

How do you feel M&B supports you as a female working in hospitality?

I feel M&B are very fair and very supportive and again equal of females and males in the company.

What advice would you give to the new generations of women working in the hospitality industry?

Work hard, make your goals, see your potential- there is no force more powerful than a woman determined! And believe in yourself.

Find out more about what it means to be a part of the M&B family

There’s a place for everyone in our pubs, bars and restaurants.

If you keen to hear more about how were creating a more inclusive workplace, read what team member Kieran has to say about working at M&B with Autism. Or find out why the team at Harvester think diversity in the hospitality industry is important.