The ‘inclusive’ pub designed specifically to help women feel safe

A new pub has opened in the heart of Marylebone helping to put women at the forefront of the hospitality industry.

Co-founder of Flowerhouse Pub, Jo Jackson, wants the space to be somewhere women feel comfortable visiting alone.

There will be around a 70 to 30 ratio of women to men as staff to increase accessibility for females in the industry.

PwC found that currently, women hold just 30 per cent of senior positions in hospitality.

Jo has used female entrepreneurs for the interior decor and also plans to provide courses and apprenticeships aimed at training women in the areas they are under-represented.

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Jo, from Hackney, has teamed up with husband Morten Jensen and business partner Darren Collins to open the pub this week.

Speaking about the aim of the business, she said: “Flowerhouse was kind of an aim to do something a little bit different, something that had a bit more purpose, rather than just opening up another great cocktail bar or great wine bar or restaurant.

“It was to do something that had a greater purpose, and something that was a bit more meaningful and can help make change within the industry.”

Jo wanted to foster an environment that women would feel safe visiting alone.

She explained: “I just wanted it to be a comfortable place where women could want to come into a pub and sit and have a drink, and not feel like they’re in the spotlight being on their own.”

In practice, that means ensuring staff are friendly, having good security on the doors and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Jo said: “You should feel safe, wanting to go somewhere on your own and have a drink, like my God, it’s 2021.”

A part of Flowerhouse’s philosophy is ensuring that, by creating a safe space for women, they are also including men.

Hiring women does not mean they are neglecting men who apply for jobs at the pub.

Jo said: “It’s not about just hiring women, because then that’s excluding guys, which is not the point. The point is, it’s fully inclusive for everybody.”

“The staffing is really important: we want to champion them and make them feel comfortable and safe, but also empower them, whether they’re male or female.”

Another way in which Jo and the team are making the space inclusive is by providing flexible shift patterns for parents.

Training and apprenticeship schemes will begin in the new year to further train staff in hospitality including cocktail making.

The bar will offer beers on draft in keeping with a traditional pub as well as specially curated cocktails.

The kitchen will be open in January offering food for customers.

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Overall, Jo is excited for the next chapter for the business.

She said: “At the moment, it feels so right. I’m really excited for getting Flowerhouse fully established and people knowing what we stand for.”

Flowerhouse Pub is on Chiltern Street and is open as November 24.

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