From the Bar to Building the Future: Chloe’s Story at LBL

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, driven team. “When Dirty Blondes opened, there was only four people in the business,” she says. “I was very lucky to have everyone around me more experienced than I, and I had great mentors in that team that pushed and supported me to get to this role.”

That support helped Chloe grow into the dual role she holds today as General Manager at Dirty Blondes and Head of Training & Development across LBL. It’s a position that demands both creativity and leadership, and no two days ever look the same. “For me, every day is different,” she says. “With balancing these two roles, my days consist of menu development, leading our training team, building curriculum for our training manuals, working with brand reps, and general GM admin. With all of this, it means that every day for me is different which is perfect.”

A pivotal moment in Chloe’s journey came during lockdown, when she was given the opportunity to create her first cocktail menu. “My first ever menu I wrote was during lockdown for the upstairs bar of Dirty Blondes (Paradise Coast),” she explains. “That was where I saw there was more to the industry than I thought.” That experience marked a turning point, shaping her passion for development, creativity, and training. “I love how my role has developed into what it is today.”

Throughout her career, Chloe has embraced the idea that growth comes from experience, both good and bad. “The most important thing I’ve learnt so far is how important it is to have the space and support to try and fail,” she says. “To me, failure isn’t a bad word, it’s how we learn and do better.” She believes that having the freedom to experiment and be heard within a company is essential, adding, “I believe we are setting the standard with work culture in Blackpool.”

Chloe’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Reflecting on her early experiences in hospitality, she highlights how much the industry has changed. “When I got my first bar job as a glass collector at 17, it was a very different world,” she says. “It was fun, but it definitely had older stereotypes fixed into it.” She originally set her sights on becoming a chef but faced barriers early on. “Every chef job I applied for, I got—but I was told that I was ‘too pretty to be back of house,’ so the chef job I got ended up putting me on a till and I never even touched a pan.”

Even as she progressed into leadership roles, Chloe faced further challenges. “When I moved into my current roles, I received some backlash as I am young for where I am and what I do,” she explains. “In the past, I have worked in very male-heavy teams and in all positions I’ve faced pushback.” However, she credits LBL for providing consistent support throughout her career. “Fortunately, I have had all the support from LBL within my career. I know that not every business provides this level of support, but I believe, thanks to what we do, that this is changing for the better.”

Looking ahead, Chloe is focused on continuing to make an impact both within the company and across the wider industry. “My goals in my current role are to continue to elevate Blackpool’s cocktail scene, build the best training platform for our teams, and continue to change the industry culture in Blackpool,” she says. On a personal level, her ambitions are just as clear. “My personal goals are to continue to build my personal brand within bartending and put Blackpool on the industry map.”

Having lived in Blackpool her whole life, Chloe is passionate about its future. “What I really hope for is change and growth,” she says. “It is definitely going in the right direction, but there are still areas that need support to change and improve.”

She also recognises the wider shifts happening across hospitality. “I think the future of hospitality is a huge question,” she says. “I believe it is moving to more community and connection-driven spaces.” With changing habits among younger generations, she sees the industry adapting quickly. “With people drinking less, the industry is evolving, and for venues to survive, it calls for real passion for the industry to come forward.”

For those looking to start a career in hospitality, especially women, Chloe’s advice is simple and direct. “Be a sponge. Don’t limit yourself or let anyone limit you,” she says. “What you put in is what you get out, and passion will get you further than anything else.” And, with a touch of personality, she adds: “Also, always have a barblade on you at all times.”

Chloe’s story is one of growth, determination, and embracing opportunity. With her drive to push boundaries, develop people, and shape the future of hospitality in Blackpool, she represents exactly what LBL is all about.