People
Prudence Stamp – Head of People
I’m originally from Australia and my background is in speciality coffee. I joined as an AGM in 2013, soon took on the role as Head of Coffee then worked my way up to Head of Training and People. I’m obsessed with great food, drink and service and I love helping others realise that Hospitality is a brilliant industry with loads of opportunity. I’ve stayed with ULG because our values of positivity, care and proactiveness match mine. It’s an amazing company to be a part of.
Dan Pavey – Head of Beer
I started as a bartender in 2014 and now I oversee all the permanent and guest beer selections across our venues. It’s great working for ULG because we have diverse venues with lots of events and projects to work on and the company has a dynamic, start-up feel to it. The training and support is great too; I’ve been on our in-house yearlong Management Training course and ULG sponsored my Certified Cicerone® qualification which means I’m a professional beer geek. I get to use my training by creating a specially brewed beer each year which we sell in the venues – it’s great to see my skills be put to work.
Marianne Pilloux – General Manager
4 years ago I handed out my CV to some local bars and restaurants in search of a part time waitressing job to make a few quid before my summer holidays. I was hired at the Alice House. I could never have known that it would turn into the rewarding, dynamic and fun career that it has. Coached and inspired by my General Manager, I started to see a career in hospitality as a dream rather than a means to an end and never looked back. I’ve watched the venues and company grow bigger and better throughout my time here and I couldn’t hope for a better place to work.
Zac Gryzelak - Sales and Events Manager
I started my professional career working in the fashion industry after graduating University with a design degree, however I joined Urban Leisure Group working evenings and weekends front of house to supplement my income and quickly fell in love with everything the company had to offer. In the past 4 years I have moved from FOH, supervisor, duty manager, Assistant manager to now managing the event sales across all our sites and this has only been possible through the support, guidance and challenges given throughout the years. Each of our venues has something unique and different to offer our guests and its our core principles as a group of genuine hospitality, sustainably sourced produce and amazing spaces that keeps me excited and passionate about my role everyday!
Joni Kamen - Duty Manager
I have been with ULG since 2013. That’s a big chunk of my adulthood. As an actress, I need to work in a company that is flexible and understands me and that IS Urban Leisure Group. My creative side has been embraced completely and they are so understanding of any commitments and needs. Most importantly, they have nurtured me and helped me grow within the company. I have gone from being a waitress who wouldn’t dare step foot behind the bar, to a confident member of management. I’ve been at The Elgin for 6 and a half years and will soon be starting at Never For Ever.
Damian Tunski - Head Chef
My journey with ULG started over 5 years ago when I dropped CV at Alice House and began work as a Chef de Partie. I couldn’t imagine how this decision would change my career - guided by senior chefs I learned new cooking skills, gained knowledge about sustainably produced ingredients but most of all, I grew in confidence and just a few years later I took over the kitchen as Head Chef. I’m enjoying my time with ULG because great food is one of the core values of the company and I’m free to express my creativity and passion for cooking. Being a professional chef is always challenging but if you are surrounded by amazing people you can achieve your goals and have fun too. I feel like I’m in exactly the right place!