Meet the Mentor: Lisa McBain
Meet Lisa. Head of Operations and all-round positive force from Saira Hospitality School.
I first met Lisa over a Zoom call last year and was instantly struck by how much amazing, positive energy she had (even across a video call!) and most importantly, how much it was directed at hospitality!
For our 'Meet the Mentor' feature, we discussed all things mentoring, hospitality and the best places to be heading to in London right now!
How did you get into the hospitality industry? Where did it start for you?
I have always had a strong work ethic. I love serving the public and meeting different people everyday. From the age of 14 I had two weekend jobs (cashier in my local chemist and pot washer in a local cafe) and in the school holidays I would work as a kitchen porter at my family's Inn (which had an award winning wine & whisky list). When I graduated from Uni I knew I wasn't suited to be being tied down to an office job and so I pursued a career that was fast moving, had me on my feet working in a team and enabled me to be creative: I started as a Bartender in London's coolest cocktail bars and worked my way up to GM for a top end Bar/Restaurant/Club venue in the City. I switched from being operational to working with leading distributers selling to national on-trade and premium off-trade groups which meant I could influence product range/staff training/promotional campaigns to influence performance of the drinks category in sales and profit which was immensely fulfilling. I also got to travel the world to host customer trips to wineries and make use of my WSET training.
Do you think having access to mentors would have helped you in your career>
Yes! I have been 100% self taught and as a geek for education and training with a curious mind I've managed to make it work but I am sure my career would have progressed upwards quicker had I had someone to bounce off.
Who would be your dream mentor?
My sister does a pretty fantastic job for me right now - she is incredibly switched on and has a background in hospitality. However, should Kate be busy I would love to call on Jancis Robinson. She is a formidable inspiration with a brilliant talent for making the language of wine accessible. She has her finger on the pulse, the best fashion sense and I loved her fundraising initiative for the Zimbabwean sommelier team who competed in the World Wine Tasting Championship.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self coming into hospitality?
Don't be shy to ask for help. Find your daily anchors or weekly rituals to stay balanced and healthy. Keep a diary and reflect back regularly. Trade mark your own signature cocktails and publish that book!
Who has been a good mentor to you in your career so far?
I am really lucky to know some incredibly talented women in business who are supporting me. I value hard work, authenticity, knowledge and fun and so the people I am most excited to learn from are like-minded. Business can be and should be fun!
What is your best, worst or funniest hospitality story?
So many where do I begin?! Dropping the tray of food all over my first ever customers at my family's Inn? Locking myself out of the venue as GM and only keyholder one hour before service and having to call a locksmith. Stepping in for one of my event staff who called in sick and having to dress up as Darth Vader for the Star Wars premiere in Trafalgar Square on a Friday night and being charged at a by a super fan who told me 'because I killed his mum I would die'. All great memories!
What restaurant/bar/hotel/cafe/brand is worth keeping an eye on in 2023?
I love Restaurant Story. The detail and care from all the FOH team and chefs is phenomenal. I love Westerns Laundry (a local to me in North London) for their fun wines by the glass list (loved their recent Auvergne find). Carole of Lady of the Grapes in Covent Garden has created a strong identity and stayed true to her mission of championing sustainably minded female wine-makers. I'm excited by operators who take a risk and list lesser known styles of wine from indigenous grapes which keep guests coming out for a fun and inspiring experience.
Do you think you need higher education to be a success in the hospitality sector?
I am a massive believer in the power of education and training for self development but this can be encouraged on the job alongside technical skills training. At Saira Hospitality, we recognise there is a huge talent pool that wants to work in our industry but hasn't had access to traditional education which can be costly and rather exclusive. I'm a fan of all the amazing work that the likes of The Drinks Trust are doing to provide talent with free accredited training to build confidence.
Would you recommend others to do the mentoring programme? Both as a mentee and mentor?
Yes, absolutely!