OUR STORY
LBL was founded by three directors, Jake, Andy and James, with a shared ambition to create bold, experience-led hospitality brands that stand out. What began as a single vision quickly evolved into a fast-growing multi-brand business, opening multiple venues within a remarkably short period of time. At one stage, we were launching a new site almost every six months, a pace that reflected both our ambition and our operational strength.
Our journey began with the launch of Dirty Blondes in December 2019, we’d been open just three months before lockdowns hit. For a young company, it was a defining moment. Rather than step back, we adapted, supported our teams, protected our brand and used the time to strengthen our foundations. Those early challenges shaped who we are today, resilient, agile and focused on long-term growth.
A major milestone in our story came when we successfully won the tender to operate Abingdon Street Market. Originally opened in 1896, the historic market has been transformed into a modern food hall and retail space, bringing together independent traders, food concepts and community events in the heart of Blackpool. Securing this project was a significant achievement for LBL, demonstrating the trust placed in us to manage and evolve an iconic local destination while respecting its heritage.
OUR TEAM
While growth and projects define our external success, our real strength lies in our people. The majority of our senior management team have been with us since the very beginning, something we are incredibly proud of. We invest heavily in developing our teams, building long-term careers and creating a culture where people genuinely care about the brands they represent.
JAKE WHITTINGTON
MANAGING DIRECTOR
VICE CHAIR BLACKPOOL BID
VICE CHAIR BLACKPOOL PUBWATCH
COUNSELLING IN THE COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER
jake@littleblackpoolleisure.co
@jakedirtyblondes
ANDY SHIELDS
DIRECTOR
JAMES LUCAS
DIRECTOR
MADELEINE GRANGE-GLEN
MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER
BA(Hons) Post Graduate Diploma
madeleine@littleblackpoolleisure.co
@numberonezerosix
MOLLIE COOPER-HICKES
CHLOE GIBSON
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
TOM KEELY
KITCHENS MANAGER
DAN CAMPBELL
FACILITIES MANAGER
PEOPLE. CULTURE. COMMUNITY
Strong standards don’t happen by chance — they’re built intentionally.
Across our sites and head office, we’ve implemented meaningful initiatives that support our team, strengthen our culture and contribute to the wider Blackpool community.
WELLNESS ACTION PLAN
This ensures every team member feels supported, heard and valued. The WAP gives our people a structured way to discuss wellbeing, workload and support needs, proactively, not reactively.
MONTHLY TEAM EVENTS
From team brunches to movie nights, we host monthly social events across our sites and head office. These aren’t just perks — they’re part of how we strengthen relationships across departments and create a sense of belonging.
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES
We actively support multiple local charities through fundraising, partnerships and on-the-ground involvement. As a business rooted in Blackpool, we believe success means contributing to the community that supports us.
LEADERSHIP BEYOND OUR BUSINESS
The majority of our senior management team sit on boards and steering groups that play a key role in shaping Blackpool’s future. We don’t just operate in the town — we actively contribute to its growth, strategy and long-term success.
BI-YEARLY TEAM REVIEWS
We conduct team reviews and anonymous questionnaires to monitor morale, engagement and development, allowing us to identify what’s working, what needs improvement, and where additional support is required. We don’t guess how our teams feel — we ask.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
We provide free meals on shift and access to essential toiletries for our team. It’s a simple but meaningful way to ease everyday pressures and ensure our people feel supported both inside and outside of work.
From launching on the eve of a global pandemic to operating landmark venues and expanding at pace, our journey has been fast-moving and ambitious. Built on resilience, teamwork and bold ideas, we continue to look forward, focused on creating exceptional hospitality experiences and shaping the next chapter of our growth.