“As cliché as it may be, look after your staff, and they’ll look after your customers. When you walk through the doors of any business, one of the first things you do is speak to a staff member, and you can tell instantly if they don’t want to be there. The mumbling, the body language and the tone say it all, and it can make or break your experience as the customer. When you’re greeted with a warm smile, a cheery ‘Afternoon, love!’ and expressive body language, you’re put at ease subconsciously. We make an effort to ensure our team are comfortable, confident, and most importantly, excited to be here, so the customer can feel the same.”
Running a busy community pub comes with challenges, but Gemma credits her resilience to maintaining perspective and keeping a sense of humour during even the most demanding days.
She explains that no matter how stressful circumstances become, whether it is a kitchen overwhelmed with orders or an endless stream of administration, finding ways to laugh and enjoy the process helps keep both morale and momentum high. Her philosophy is simple: be weird, be wonderful, be yourself, and encourage those around you to do the same.
Throughout her journey, Gemma has learned that business ownership is a continual process of growth and learning. She advises other women considering a similar path to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to develop.
According to Gemma, no one will ever know everything there is to know, and every day brings a new lesson. She recalls her mother’s warning that running a business would be difficult, something she initially underestimated. However, each obstacle she has overcome has taught her something new, making the experience both empowering and deeply fulfilling.
One of the aspects she loves most about her role is the incredible team she has built around her. The diverse group ranges in age from 17 to over 60, and what began as colleagues has evolved into genuine friendships. Their shared sense of humour, support for one another, and strong team spirit continue to provide motivation, even during the most demanding days.
Among her proudest achievements is a community fundraising event held in memory of a beloved local resident. Last year, The Lupset Pub hosted a community day in aid of Man Matters, raising significant funds while bringing together the entire community in tribute. The day was marked by the late community member’s signature neon green colour and a display of supercars, reflecting one of his greatest passions. For Gemma, it was a powerful demonstration of community spirit and pride.
Looking ahead, Gemma and her team have ambitious plans for the future. Preparations are already underway for this year’s annual community gala day, an event that continues to grow each year with more local stalls, local bands, and community participation. Alongside this, The Lupset Pub is expanding its programme of community-focused initiatives, including the return of its female angling group, “Braids and Beers” events for fathers and daughters, and “Female Meet N Natter” gatherings designed to provide safe spaces for women seeking friendship and connection.
Like many businesses, The Lupset Pub has felt the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Gemma acknowledges the emotional challenge of seeing familiar faces forced to choose between social interaction and essential household expenses.
Rather than accepting that reality, she and her team decided to act. The pub introduced free hot drinks, discounted hot meals, and social evenings throughout the colder months to support vulnerable members of the community. While these initiatives may not always make financial sense from a business perspective, Gemma believes the positive impact they have on people’s lives makes them worthwhile.
Receiving this recognition has reinforced something Gemma has always believed: success is never achieved alone.
“Winning this award is a great honour, but this wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for our amazing team. They truly keep this place going. From dancing together behind the bar to running around like headless chickens with 27 pint glasses in hand, this isn’t just about one woman, it’s about a strong unit of incredible individuals. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the team, and this award highlights that. The award is in my name, but it goes to the team.”
At the centre of Gemma’s personal and professional journey is one person who continues to inspire her every day: her mother, Mandy.
Describing her biggest influence and mentor, Gemma says her mother possesses an extraordinary combination of warmth, knowledge, humour, and business instinct. From sharing practical wisdom to spending hours discussing business strategy, Mandy has remained a constant source of guidance and support. Gemma credits her mother’s willingness to come out of retirement and lend a hand as one of the reasons The Lupset Pub continues to thrive today.
Through her leadership, dedication to community, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all, Gemma Woodhouse has established The Lupset Pub as far more than a place to enjoy a drink. It has become a cornerstone of the local community, bringing people together, supporting those in need, and creating lasting connections that extend far beyond its doors.
About Gemma Woodhouse
Gemma Woodhouse is the Landlady of The Lupset Pub in Wakefield, where she has transformed a historic local venue into a vibrant community hub. Passionate about hospitality, inclusivity, and local engagement, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming space that brings people together through events, entertainment, fundraising, and community support.
Contact
Phone: 01924 929933
Email: thelupsetpub@gmail.com
Website: https://thelupset.co.uk
