Next up in our staff spotlights is Andreea, our General Manager at The Herbalist, Maidstone. The Herbalist is home to a lot of events such as quizzes, afternoon teas and brunches not to mention Junipers so it’s a big responsibility for the general manager. Andreea excels in her role, keep reading to find out more about how she got to where she is.
I’m proud to be the General Manager at The Herbalist, part of the Elite Pubs family. My journey in hospitality began when I was 16, working part-time as a waitress. From those early days, I quickly discovered how rewarding it is to be part of a team that creates memorable experiences for guests.
I joined Elite Pubs six years ago—also as a waitress after hearing about the company’s great reputation for supporting its people and creating positive working environments. That reputation proved true, and I’ve since worked my way up through various roles to become a General Manager. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, both professionally and personally.
Elite’s personal development plan has been instrumental in that growth. It’s helped me build confidence, develop leadership skills, and learn how to run a successful team. The support I’ve received gave me the courage to pursue a better future—and I’ve now returned to university to study Business Management, something I never imagined doing when I first started out.
One passion I’ve discovered through this industry is cooking. I especially enjoy it in the summer, when seasonal ingredients are at their best. It’s even more rewarding to work for a company that supports local producers and takes pride in serving fresh, locally sourced food and wine.
What makes Elite Pubs truly special is the sense of connection—within the team, with our guests, and with our suppliers. My favourite pub? The Herbalist, of course—though I might be a little biased, since that’s where I work! It genuinely has the best atmosphere (and the best team).
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing within this industry and the company, and I hope to mentor others just starting out. My advice? Be open to opportunities, work hard, and never stop learning—that’s where the real growth happens .