From Bartending to Leadership: Growing a Career in Hospitality at LBL

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 2022 at Dirty Blondes as a bartender, what began as a temporary role quickly turned into a career. “I loved it straight away,” she says. “It made me realise hospitality wasn’t just a stop gap.” That early enthusiasm sparked a deeper interest in how venues operate behind the scenes. Wanting to understand more, she leaned into learning, asking questions, observing management, and developing new skills. This drive led to a move into a management role at Dirty Blondes, where she began to learn what it takes to run a venue.

In 2024, a new opportunity opened up at Abingdon Street Market, stepping into the role of Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and Trainer. Moving into a larger venue with a bigger team brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to grow.

“I was working with a bigger team and a bigger venue, and I learnt so much. I had great support from the managers around me, which made a huge difference.” A key lesson along the way? Confidence. “Trusting yourself and your decisions is everything,” she explains. Over time, that self-belief replaced doubt and shaped her leadership style. “Confidence is everything—not just how you come across to your team or customers, but how you feel in yourself. Trusting your decisions and knowing you’re doing what’s best for the venue, staff and customers.” Like many people, overcoming self-doubt didn’t happen overnight. But with experience came self-belief—and the ability to trust her own instincts in high-pressure situations.

She’s also seen a shift in how hospitality is valued, with more recognition for the creativity and care behind the role. “I think people are starting to see hospitality differently now. It’s not just seen as a ‘no skill’ job anymore. There’s real attention to detail, creativity, and pride in what we do.”

For now, the focus is firmly on growth. “I just want to keep learning and gaining experience. Putting myself in new situations, asking questions, and building my knowledge.” One of the things she values most about hospitality is the variety of paths it offers. “There are so many directions you can go in this industry. I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

When asked about being a woman in hospitality in Blackpool, Alycia’s answer was refreshingly simple.“It’s not something I’ve really thought about, which I think is a good thing. I’ve never felt like it’s held me back.” Instead, the focus remains on individual qualities, personality, work ethic, and experience rather than anything else.

That same mindset shapes the advice she’d give to others starting out: “You can achieve just as much as anyone else with hard work, passion, discipline, and a strong backbone. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”

With ongoing investment and new businesses opening across the town, there’s a strong sense of optimism about Blackpool’s future. “It feels like Blackpool is coming back to life. There’s more choice, more energy, and it’s becoming a place professionals in Blackpool.people want to be again.”

Being part of that growth, both personally and professionally is something she’s proud of. “I think there’s more space now for people to try new ideas and experiment. Employers are investing more in people, it’s not just about filling roles anymore.” For someone who started behind the bar just a few years ago, that shift represents opportunity, not just for her own future, but for the next generation of hospitality in Blackpool.