Summary
Work history
Skills
Custom
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Mitch Upton

Lewes,East Sussex

Summary

A service‑driven hospitality leader with over 20 years’ experience managing and operating high‑volume, food‑led pubs and venues across London and the South East. Demonstrated success in opening, repositioning, and growing businesses, with a consistent track record of delivering strong financial performance and exceptional guest experiences.

Recognised for an approachable, hands‑on leadership style and the ability to build motivated, high‑performing teams. Brings a deep understanding of both front and back of house operations, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for food, drink, and outstanding service. Results‑focused, detail‑oriented, and committed to maintaining the highest operational standards.

Work history

Deputy General Manager

The White Hart, Heartwood Inns
  • Played an integral role in the full operational delivery of busy town‑centre hotel with high‑volume bar and 120‑cover restaurant. Involved from pre‑opening through launch, establishing systems, recruiting and developing the team, and embedding Heartwood’s brand standards. Oversee all daily operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience, smooth service, strong commercial performance, and a consistently well‑run and welcoming environment.

Manager

Brighton Beach House, Soho House Group
2023 - 2024
  • Led day-to-day operations at a high-profile private members’ club, ensuring exceptional service delivery, team performance, and commercial success over multiple trading areas.

Owner / Operator

The Royal Oak, Lewes
2018 - 2023
  • Oversaw refurbishment project and repositioning of the business. Successfully ran all aspects of the operation, including financial management, staffing, menu development, events, and guest experience. Delivered consistent growth and strengthened the venue’s reputation locally.

General Manager

The John Harvey Tavern, Lewes
2016 - 2018

General Manager

Metropolitan Pubs: The Florence, Herne Hill
2015 - 2016

General Manager (New Opening)

Metropolitan Pubs: St Margarets Tavern, Richmond
2012 - 2015

General Manager (New Opening)

RealPubs Ltd: The Mitre, Holland Park
2009 - 2012

Openings Manager

RealPubs Ltd
2008 - 2009
  • Supported multiple new site launches, ensuring operational readiness, team training, and brand consistency. Oversaw wine buying for the group

Freelance Events Manager

2005
  • Managed and delivered large-scale event operations, including running several extremely busy Bacardi cocktail bars at major UK music festivals such as V Festival and T in the Park.

General Manager (New Opening)

RealPubs Ltd: The Masons Arms, Kensal Green
2005 - 2008

General Manager (New Opening)

The Greyhound, Kensal Rise
2003 - 2005

General Manager (New Opening)

Frandek Pubs: The Waterway, Maida Vale
2001 - 2003

General Manager

Frandek Pubs: Golborne House, North Kensington
2000 - 2001

Skills

  • Exceptional customer service standards
  • Experienced across all operational roles
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Calm and effective under pressure
  • Highly organised and detail-focused
  • Leads by example with a hands-on approach
  • Team building, coaching, and staff development
  • Proficient with POS, booking and payment systems
  • Strong understanding of KPIs, budgeting, and cost control
  • H&S compliance

Custom

  • Personal Licence Holder
  • Full, Clean Driving Licence
  • Food Safety Level 2
  • Health & Safety Level 2
  • First Aid Trained

Interests

  • Music
  • Travel
  • Reading
  • Cooking
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Vintage scooters (owner of a 1962 Lambretta)

Timeline

Deputy General Manager

The White Hart, Heartwood Inns

Manager

Brighton Beach House, Soho House Group
2023 - 2024

Owner / Operator

The Royal Oak, Lewes
2018 - 2023

General Manager

The John Harvey Tavern, Lewes
2016 - 2018

General Manager

Metropolitan Pubs: The Florence, Herne Hill
2015 - 2016

General Manager (New Opening)

Metropolitan Pubs: St Margarets Tavern, Richmond
2012 - 2015

General Manager (New Opening)

RealPubs Ltd: The Mitre, Holland Park
2009 - 2012

Openings Manager

RealPubs Ltd
2008 - 2009

Freelance Events Manager

2005

General Manager (New Opening)

RealPubs Ltd: The Masons Arms, Kensal Green
2005 - 2008

General Manager (New Opening)

The Greyhound, Kensal Rise
2003 - 2005

General Manager (New Opening)

Frandek Pubs: The Waterway, Maida Vale
2001 - 2003

General Manager

Frandek Pubs: Golborne House, North Kensington
2000 - 2001

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Mitch Upton