Lauren Edwards - Brand Manager

Lauren kicked off her career in hospitality in her younger years, learning the skills of front of house, people management, general housekeeping and bartending. However, after studying fashion marketing at university, she pursued a career in another industry. Here Lauren worked in product management, touching on product development, brand partnerships and supply chains within cosmetics and textiles. However, after a turmoil-filled couple of COVID years, Lauren found her way back to hospitality and reignited her love for the industry. As a Brand Manager, Lauren hones in on the skills she's developed over the years, through fashion, marketing and product development, allowing her to create effective brand partnerships and develop exciting and creative marketing plans.

What is your favourite drink?
This question didn't take much pondering. My absolute favourite drink is a Hemingway Daquiri. It's one of the first cocktails I ever tried, and it continues to be the one I ask for whenever visiting a cocktail bar.

Which disco drink needs a comeback?
In my younger years I used to live for a cheeky vimto....fruity, full of sugar and named to perfection. Make Cheeky V's great again!

If you were to create a brand, what would it be, what would you call it, and which celebrity (if any) would be the face of it?
I'd tip into my Northern roots and open a small bistro bar named 'Northern Delights'. A modern twist on a traditional venue, influenced heavily by the delights of the North. I would have Sean Bean as my front man and serve every dish with a quote from the man himself. Every drink would also be served with a side of a traditional British dish. Think, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and pork pies served with piccalilli. People would never leave!

What's your favourite part about working in the drinks industry, and what keeps you motivated?
I have always had a soft spot for hospitality, having kicked off my career when I was 17 with a waitressing job. I've waitressed, tended bar and even slung triple vodka cranberries in some awful night clubs throughout my career, mainly while studying for my degree. I dabbled in other industries for a few years, but I've always found my way back to hospitality, as it's where I find the most joy. The people, the culture, the creativity, the social aspect and of course the arduous work it takes to work in this industry. I'm forever learning new things and meeting new people, which I absolutely love. No day is the same and I love being a part of a team which has the same drive, passion and determination to create a fantastic brand. Having three amazing cocktail creators on hand is also a massive bonus!

You can only save one: The Manhattan, The Daquiri or The Martini. Which one are you choosing?
The Daiquiri, all day every day... and not the frozen kind..