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Jake Whittington, MD of LBL, reflects on his experiences working in hospitality and shares his perspective on how venues must evolve to meet the changing expectations of today's customers.

At LBL, we’re proud to operate Abingdon Street Market in the heart of Blackpool town centre, and we’re constantly looking for ways to evolve the space into something more than just a food and retail destination. Our latest initiative, the Next-Gen Makers Market, is exactly that, a platform designed to support, showcase and champion the next generation of young entrepreneurs. Taking place on 11th July 2026, the Next-Gen Makers Market is a brand-new event created specifically f

Hospitality is often seen as a stepping stone, but for many, it becomes something much more. A place to grow, to build confidence, and to discover a real passion for working with people. In this interview, we sat down with Alycia to talk about her journey through LBL, from starting behind the bar to stepping into a leadership role at Abingdon Street Market. Her story is one of curiosity, progression, and learning to trust yourself in a fast-paced industry. Starting out in 202

Madi has been part of Little Blackpool Leisure since its earliest days, growing alongside the business as both it and her role have evolved. What started in design has gradually expanded into something much broader, shaped by experience, opportunity, and a willingness to take things on as they come. “I’ve been with LBL from the start, one of the original OG’s.” Since December 2019, Madi has been part of Little Blackpool Leisure’s journey, contributing not just to its visual i

Last week, our team from Dirty Blondes, Abingdon Street Market, and Common Bar & Kitchen stepped away from the day-to-day buzz of service to attend a wellbeing workshop as part of Blackpool Restaurant Week. Hosted in collaboration with The Burnt Chef Project, the session offered something a little different from the usual industry events, an opportunity to focus not on food or service, but on the people behind it all. Hospitality is fast-paced, high-pressure, and incredibly r

It's always sad when a long term member of the team moves on, but it does make way for a really exciting opportunity for someone to join the team here at LBL and take the reigns at Abingdon Street Market. Could this be the perfect role for you? FOOD HALL OPERATIONS MANAGER Reports to: Operations Manager Location: Abingdon Street Market, Blackpool Contract Type: 40 Hours Rate of of pay: £30,000 - £35,000 ABOUT LBL We’re an independent hospitality group in Blackpool with a

Let's meet Chloe Gibson, Training & Development Manager. At Little Blackpool Leisure, growth stories are at the heart of everything we do, and Chloe’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, opportunity, and the right environment can shape a career in hospitality. “I have been with LBL for 7 years this year,” Chloe explains. “I started as a bartender when Dirty Blondes opened in 2019.” Joining at such an early stage of the business meant she was part of a small, drive

In hospitality, there is rarely a quiet moment to stop and reflect, and especially in Blackpool, the pace and speed of hospitality is constant. From busy weekends on the prom, theatre crowds leaving the Winter Gardens, to the loyal locals who keep our venues alive and thriving even through the darker months of the year, hospitality is built on long shifts, the ability to make quick decisions and to be able to adapt with a moment’s notice. Across Blackpool and the wider North