Zoe’s journey: From Bar Team to Trainer

Thinking about where a career in hospitality could take you? Let’s introduce you to Zoe Taylor — one of our incredible team members whose career path shows just how many doors can open at Mitchells & Butlers when you’ve got passion, curiosity, and a bit of that M&B magic.

Zoe started as a bar team member and now travels the country as a Project Implementation Trainer, helping bring new businesses to life. Here's how she made it happen.

From pulling pints to finding her passion

Zoe joined M&B back in 2017, not long after turning 18. She’d previously worked in a coffee shop, but was looking for something with a bit more energy — so she went for a part-time bar role at The Kingfisher in Chertsey (part of our Premium Country Pubs brand).

At the time, she was also studying sport coaching science at university, but it didn’t take long for hospitality to win her over. The fast-paced vibe, friendly faces, and social buzz of the industry were a perfect fit. Before long, Zoe made the leap, leaving university to pursue hospitality full-time.

Climbing the hospitality ladder (one step at a time)

Zoe’s enthusiasm and commitment quickly stood out. Just six months in, she was promoted to team coach — and not long after, she stepped into a supervisor role. These experiences gave her a taste of leadership and helped her build confidence in managing people and problem-solving.

She also leaned into the many training opportunities M&B had to offer. From handling tricky situations to leading a team, the development workshops were key to helping her grow her skills — and her career.

Stirring things up during tough times

Like so many in hospitality, Zoe faced some real challenges during the pandemic. With sites opening and closing, it wasn’t always easy — but she stayed focused on her development.

She moved to The Seahorse in Guildford, where she took on a deputy manager role and worked under a supportive General Manager who became a big influence in her journey. With their guidance, Zoe continued to level up her leadership skills.

From management to mentoring

Zoe’s turning point came when she discovered a passion for helping others learn and grow. Encouraged by her Area Manager, she stepped into the role of District Trainer, supporting teams across her region. 

She found it incredibly rewarding — and it opened her eyes to the wider world of Learning & Development.

Serving up support nationwide

Fast forward to today, and Zoe is now a Project Implementation Trainer — a role that takes her all over the country. She’s hands-on with everything from new-site training to online workshops, making sure teams are confident and ready when their businesses launch or relaunch.

Every day is different, and Zoe loves meeting new people, learning new systems, and knowing her work helps teams hit the ground running.

For anyone thinking about taking the leap from an ops role to a corporate one, Zoe’s advice is simple: Go for it! Sure, it can be a bit nerve-wracking — but with the right support and mindset, it’s absolutely worth it.

The final dish

Zoe’s story is proof that a role in hospitality can be so much more than “just a job.” With support, training, and a bit of boldness, there’s no limit to where your career at M&B could go.

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