What does a long-term hospitality career really look like?
For Amanda Etherington, better known as Dula, it's meant 30 years of learning, leading and growing with M&B. Starting as a waitress in 1996, she's built a career that's taken her from the restaurant floor to leading a successful pub team as Deputy Manager.
Her story shows what's possible when you're supported to develop your skills, embrace new opportunities and build lasting friendships along the way. If you're looking for a hospitality career with genuine progression, here's what 30 years at M&B has looked like for Dula.
What can a hospitality career at M&B look like?
No two careers at M&B are the same. Some people join us for a part-time job while studying. Others discover a career they never expected. Many progress into management, leadership or specialist roles across our pubs, bars and restaurants.
Dula's journey is a brilliant example of what's possible. From serving guests as a waitress to stepping up as Acting General Manager, every role has helped her build new skills, confidence and experience.
We caught up with Dula as she celebrated an incredible 30 years with M&B to hear more about her journey.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your current role and where do you work?
“My name is Amanda Etherington, although most people throughout M&B know me as Dula. It's a long story!
I'm Deputy Manager at the Queen & Castle in Kenilworth, part of our Premium Country Pubs brand. I joined in 2022 as Assistant Manager during the pub's refurbishment and have since progressed into my current role.
Along the way, I've also had the opportunity to lead the business as Acting General Manager, which has been one of the highlights of my career so far.”
How did your hospitality career at M&B begin?
“My M&B journey started in 1996 as a waitress at the site now known as Miller & Carter Sutton Park. It'll always hold a special place in my heart because it's where I met my husband, who was working as a chef at the time!
Looking back, I never imagined that first role would become the start of a 30-year career filled with opportunities, challenges and unforgettable memories.
How did you progress from waitress to Deputy Manager?
“I've been fortunate to work across several pubs and restaurants throughout my career, with every move helping me develop new skills and grow in confidence.
My management journey began at The Swan in Broadway, one of our Premium Country Pubs, where I started as a Team Member and learned the foundations of running a successful business. It was also where I realised what I was capable of thanks to the support and encouragement of the people around me.
I later joined The Bulls Head in Meriden as a Shift Supervisor before progressing into an Assistant Manager role as my experience grew. I also spent time at The Victoria in Barnt Green, supporting its transition into a Vintage Inns site and seeing first-hand how our brands evolved over the years.
Looking back, every role, challenge and opportunity has helped me build the leadership skills, confidence and experience that have shaped my career today.”
What skills have helped you build a successful hospitality career?
“I'd say my calm and approachable nature has always been one of my biggest strengths.
Throughout my career, I've often become the "mother figure" within my teams. I'm usually the person people come to when they need advice, support or simply someone to listen.
Hospitality has always been about people. Building relationships, supporting others and helping my team succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
In three words, how would you describe your 30 years at M&B?
“Enriching. Challenging. Fulfilling.
Those three words perfectly sum up my journey.
I've always loved the teamwork, friendships and sense of belonging that come with working in hospitality. M&B may be a large company, but it's always felt personal because of the people I've worked with.
The opportunities to keep learning, a healthy work-life balance and, of course, some pretty great perks have all played a part in why I've stayed for three decades.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at M&B?
“Stick with it.
Hospitality offers so many opportunities if you're willing to learn, work hard and say yes to new experiences.
When I started, I never imagined I'd still be here 30 years later. Every role taught me something new and helped me grow.
If you're looking for a career where you can keep developing, take on new challenges and work alongside brilliant people, M&B gives you every opportunity to do just that.
You never know where your journey could take you.”
Looking back, what has been your proudest achievement?
“I've been fortunate to have many proud moments throughout my career, but one of the most rewarding has been knowing that people trusted me and wanted me on their teams.
Professionally, leading the Queen & Castle as Acting General Manager stands out as one of my biggest achievements. Seeing the business perform strongly across our people, guest experience, operational standards and financial performance was incredibly rewarding.
It proved to me just how much I'd grown as a leader over the years.”
What Dula's career shows about working at M&B
Dula's journey highlights what many people discover when they join M&B:
- A hospitality job can become a long-term career.
- Career progression is possible with the right support and attitude.
- Every role is an opportunity to learn new skills.
- Great teams and friendships make all the difference.
- Leadership opportunities can come when you least expect them.
FAQs about careers at M&B
Can you build a long-term career at M&B?
Absolutely. Many people join M&B in entry-level hospitality roles before progressing into supervisory and management positions. Dula's 30-year journey is just one example of where a career at M&B can take you.
What career progression opportunities are available?
Career progression looks different for everyone. You might move into Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager or General Manager roles, or explore opportunities across different brands and locations.
What skills do you need to succeed in hospitality?
Communication, teamwork, resilience, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn all go a long way. Technical skills can be taught, but caring about people is what really makes a difference.
Could your story be next?
From waitress to Deputy Manager, Dula's journey is proof that a job in hospitality can become so much more.
Congratulations, Dula, on an incredible 30 years with M&B. Thank you for everything you've contributed and for inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Ready to start your own hospitality career?
Explore our latest pub and restaurant jobs and discover where a career with heart could take you. Your story could be just getting started.
