From student job to General Manager, Lauren’s journey with hospitality with heart

Not every career starts with a master plan. Sometimes, it starts with a part-time job, a great team, and a moment where you think… this actually feels right.

That’s exactly how Lauren’s hospitality career began.

While studying at university, she took on a student job behind the bar, and quickly discovered the buzz of pub life, the energy of the team, and the thrill of learning on the job. What started as a side gig soon turned into something bigger: a career built on growth, people, and passion. 

Today, Lauren is the General Manager of The Ridgeway Tavern in Enfield, part of the Ember Inns family at M&B, and her story is proof that hospitality can take you further than you ever expected.

How Lauren turned a part-time job into a full-time career

Lauren never expected to stay in hospitality long term, but the environment changed her mind.

“I never thought I’d stay this long. But I loved the pub environment and everything I was learning, so I made the decision to leave my studies and go full time.”

It wasn’t just the role that kept her, it was the team spirit, the pace, and the chance to grow quickly. She realised hospitality offered real progression, real responsibility, and real opportunities to build a future.

Growing with M&B: from team member to General Manager

Lauren grabbed every opportunity to learn, develop, and take on more responsibility.

Her journey with M&B has included: 

• Starting as a team member
• Progressing into an Assistant Manager role
• Stepping up to become a General Manager
• Leading a thriving Ember Inns pub with confidence and heart
  
  

She’s built a leadership style that’s people-first, energetic, and supportive, creating a culture where teams feel confident, motivated, and proud of what they do.

“The best part of my job is making sure the team has fun while we work. When people enjoy what they do, everything else falls into place.”

She’s especially passionate about training and developing people, and loves seeing team members grow in confidence and take their next career steps.

Recruiting with heart: building teams that thrive

Lauren’s impact goes beyond her own pub. As a District Recruitment Ambassador, she supports other managers across the business, helping them attract great candidates, improve hiring processes, and give new starters the best possible experience.

“The aim is simple: bring in the best people and give them the best start possible.”

From screening candidates to coaching managers on recruitment, Lauren plays a hands-on role in building stronger teams across M&B, helping others create the same positive, people-focused culture she leads in her own venue.

Learning fast and leading smarter with apprenticeships

Lauren is always thinking about how to improve, both personally and professionally.

She’s currently completing a Level 5 Operations Management Apprenticeship, with a focus on recruitment, leadership, and performance. She applies what she learns in real time, creating upskilling opportunities for managers and making a meaningful impact across her district.

Her approach to leadership is inspired by an unexpected place: Formula 1.

“I really connected with Toto Wolff’s approach. When things go wrong, he doesn’t point fingers. The team reflects, learns, and moves forward together.”

That mindset shapes how Lauren leads, celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and recognising success as a team effort. 

Why Lauren recommends a career with M&B

For Lauren, M&B has offered far more than just a job.

“I’ve completed two apprenticeships, travelled for work, built a brilliant support network, and grown in ways I never expected. The business is always evolving, so if you want to progress, the opportunities are there. You just have to go for it. Oh… and the 33% discount is a nice bonus too.”

Her journey highlights what makes careers at M&B stand out:

• Clear progression opportunities
• Funded apprenticeships and training
• Supportive leadership and strong networks
• The chance to build a long-term hospitality career
• Real recognition, benefits, and perks

Your hospitality career could start here

Lauren’s story shows that you don’t need a perfect plan to build a successful career, just the willingness to learn, take opportunities, and back yourself.

If you’re starting out in hospitality, looking to ste up into management, or ready for your next big move, M&B offers real career paths, real support, and real opportunities to grow.

Explore careers at M&B and start your own hospitality journey today.

Image of Lauren pouring a pint at the Ember Inns pub in Enfield