Meet the Team
If you’ve ever popped into The Kings Arms in Temple Sowerby for a pint, a bite, or an overnight stay, chances are you’ve run into the team and crossed paths with Nicole. She’s our wonderful General Manager and one-half of the dynamic duo (alongside her partner Robbie) who took on the challenge of breathing new life into our much-loved pub.
From keeping the day-to-day ticking over to navigating the beautifully chaotic world of hospitality, Nicole has been instrumental in making The Kings Arms into the welcoming community hub it is today.
But how did she get here? And what’s it really been like running a busy pub in a village where everyone knows your name? Let’s rewind the clock and meet Nicole properly.
From Coffee Shop Waitress to Hospitality Pro
Nicole’s journey began at just 13 years old, working as a waitress in a local coffee shop. At the time, she thought she’d end up in education – teaching or academia – but hospitality had other plans. The coffee shop helped her through high school and university, and by the time she graduated, she was completely hooked.
Much of her early career was spent at Las Iguanas, a well-known Latin American chain. “Chain restaurants don’t always get a great rep,” she admits, “but they teach you how to do things the right way. It’s proper managerial training – systems, structure, and learning how to make things work consistently.”
After her time in the corporate side of hospitality, Nicole explored more independent venues. One standout stint was managing a karaoke cocktail bar – a high-energy, late-night affair that she describes with a grin: “It was just about having fun. Loud music, long nights… I’vedone my fair share!”
But if you’re wondering whether karaoke will ever make an appearance at The Kings Arms, don’t count on it. “If I never hear another person sing karaoke again, I’ll be a happy person,” Nicole laughs. “You definitely won’t catch me doing it.”
The Kings Arms – One Year In
When the opportunity to manage The Kings Arms came along, Nicole and Robbie saw it as a natural next step – and a welcome challenge. “We’d done restaurants, bars, clubs – but never rooms. It was something new, something to push ourselves with,” she explains. “You’ve always got to be thinking about the next step, about growing. This felt right.”
Now, a year into managing The Kings Arms, Nicole is candid about the reality of the role. “It’s more stressful than I imagined” Nicole admits, “but not in a bad way. You’re just never completely off. Even on your day off, there’s always something to pick up. But it’s also so much more rewarding.”
She highlights the strong sense of community in the village as one of the most unexpectedly lovely parts of the experience. “Everyone’s been incredibly supportive. It feels like home. People know me – sometimes better than I know them! There was a woman who came in with her baby and I remembered her go-to drink order before I remembered her name!
Running a pub also means you’re never short on stories – and Nicole has collected her fair share in just 12 months.
Any standout memories? The battle with the fire alarms in the early days. “We couldn’t get the fires right – it was freezing outside, so we were trying to light them, and the fire alarms would just go off. Three times a day! We’d be waving tea towels under them while customers were wrapped up in blankets.” she recalls, laughing. “Then there’s the quiet customers suddenly dancing on tables at New Year’s Eve – always the quiet ones that surprise you!”
Building a Team and a Reputation
Nicole is especially proud of what she and the team have achieved over the past year – and rightfully so. From the early days when it was just her, Loren, and Alison doing “a million hours a week,” to now having a stable, well-trained, and tight-knit team, she’s helped build a place that people genuinely enjoy coming to.
“It’s not about doing it all yourself,” she says. “You have to recognise what other people are good at and bring those skills together. That’s how we’ve made it work. You can’t be an expert at everything.”
Training and development are clearly a passion of Nicole’s – a skillset honed during her time with Las Iguanas. Her ability to spot and address issues quickly, particularly around service, has been a key part of the pub’s growing success. Apply to join the team here.
One highlight that stands out for her? Mother’s Day. “A year ago, if we’d had a day that busy, it would have been a disaster. But this year, it ran smoothly. Everyone was on it, and it was just a lovely service. That shows how far we’ve come.”
Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Managers
Nicole’s advice for anyone thinking about stepping into hospitality management is practical and heartfelt:
“Use the people around you. You’re not going to have every skill. That’s okay. Learn what other people are good at and work with them. And when you mess up, own it. Just say, ‘I got it wrong, sorry.’ It’s easier to bounce back from honesty than from hiding your mistakes.”
She believes that teamwork is at the core of good hospitality. “You can’t do everything yourself. You’ll end up exhausted and doing everything badly instead of doing some things really well.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future of The Kings Arms? Nicole is both optimistic and ambitious. “We’ve put in the hard work, and now we’re starting to see it pay off. People trust us. They know if they show up, the lights will be on, the food will be good, the coffee hot, and the welcome warm. That consistency matters – especially after how things were here in the beginning.”
She hints at expansion plans on the horizon – “Plan B is on the way” – and expects the pub to keep growing, especially through the busy summer months. “We’ve earned our reputation. Now we keep building on it.”
In Her Own Words…
When asked what animal best describes her management style, Nicole doesn’t miss a beat: “A chameleon. I reflect the person I’m talking to – staff or customer. I’ve had chats about horse racing and football with people – stuff I know nothing about but if it makes someone feel welcome, then it’s worth it.”
We couldn’t agree more!
So the next time you visit The Kings Arms, whether for a lazy lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a weekend getaway, keep an eye out for Nicole. She might be behind the bar, walking the floor, or juggling admin in the office – but wherever she is, you can trust she’s working hard to make sure your visit is perfect.
Meet the Team – Get to Know Nicole!
