Sophie New, Assistant Manager at The Riverside Inn in Lechlade, has successfully completed her Hospitality Supervisor (Food & Beverage Supervisor) Level 3 Apprenticeship after 14 months of training while working in the busy riverside pub.
Sophie’s journey into hospitality began when she was a young teenager waitressing at the Cotswold Woollen Weavers, and she has since built up experience across a range of roles in the industry. Her first role in a pub was as a Chef de Partie and, following the Covid pandemic, she worked across several venues in the region, where she progressed from bartender to bar supervisor, then assistant manager, and even stepped in as acting general manager.
Realising her passion was looking after customers, and keen to continue developing her career in hospitality leadership, an opening came up at The Riverside and Sophie joined as a trainee manager before progressing to Assistant Manager while completing the Level 3 qualification. Her favourite part of the course was being able to apply what she learned directly back into the pub environment. “Taking what I learned and actually putting it into practice in the pub made the biggest difference.”
Sophie’s certificate and a special gift were presented to her at The Riverside by George Arkell, Arkell’s Brewery Managing Director, and Julie Moss, Managed House Controller. Julie Moss praised Sophie’s development and natural ability with customers. “Sophie has a lovely natural way with customers and excels at anything she puts her hand to. She’s been a great support across several pubs and we’re incredibly proud of what she has achieved.”
As part of her continued development, Sophie is moving straight into undertaking a professionally recognised wine course; Wines & Spirits Education Trust Level 2 in Wines.
George Arkell commented “Sophie’s success highlights the value of investing in young people and developing talent from within our pubs. She has been a fantastic addition to the team at The Riverside, and we look forward to seeing her continue to develop her career with Arkell’s.”
For further information on the The Riverside Inn in Lechlade, visit www.riverside-lechlade.com and for Arkell’s Brewery visit arkells.com.
