3rd August 2026
Written by Bethan Wardle
We're celebrating a decade of Abbey Mountain at Robinsons. What began as a temporary part-time role in the kitchen at The Red Lion, High Lane, while studying in collage quickly turned into a career she never expected. Ten years on, Abbey is our Systems & Stocks Executive, helping to shape the technology and systems that support our Managed pubs.
It was in the kitchen that Abbey developed many of the skills she still relies on today. Working in a busy hospitality environment taught her how to think quickly, adapt under pressure and solve problems, while also discovering that she enjoyed continually learning and taking on new challenges.
A significant turning point came when she joined Robinsons Aspire programme. While returning from maternity leave, Abbey had started supporting her General Manager at the time with administration and quickly found herself drawn to the operational side of the business. Aspire gave her the confidence to build on those skills while opening doors to new opportunities and introducing her to colleagues from across the wider business.
"Aspire gave me confidence and put my name on the map. Bringing in the menu management tool was really what set me up for moving into a Head Office role”.
As her career has progressed, Abbey has been fortunate to learn from a number of colleagues who encouraged her to keep pushing herself.
Although Abbey says it's impossible to single out just one person, she credits Susan Forbes, James Robinson and her manager, Steve Gore, with believing in her potential and encouraging her to pursue a different career path.
"Coming from having no knowledge of systems to being competent and thriving in a whole new career really takes a good mentor. Having people who trust you, challenge you and encourage you has made all the difference”.
Having spent ten years with Robinsons, Abbey has seen first-hand how the business has evolved, particularly when it comes to technology and supporting its people. From advancements in systems to greater investment in training and development, she believes the business has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of both colleagues and customers.
Today, Abbey's role is incredibly varied, with no week looking quite the same. Alongside long-term projects, she spends time supporting pubs across the estate, delivering training, installing new hardware and helping teams get the most from the systems they use every day. It's a role that takes her across the North West and Wales, giving her the chance to work with teams in some of Robinsons most picturesque locations.
"People probably expect me to be sat behind a desk working through spreadsheets all day, but the reality is I spend a lot of time with people, out and about, helping sites however I can. We have some absolutely stunning sites across the North West and Wales, and I'd be remiss not to appreciate that my office could be looking over the estuary in Penmaenpool one day and near Coniston Lake the next”.
After a decade with Robinsons, it's the opportunities for progression that have kept her motivated.
"My career at Robinsons has never been the same from one year to the next. If you want to learn, there's always someone willing to mentor you and help you find the right path."
Reflecting on everything she's achieved over the past ten years, Abbey has one message for the younger version of herself.
"Sometimes it feels hard, like really hard and unfair. But ultimately the sheer determination and knowing what you want will get you there. You're going to have an amazing daughter who will be your little best friend and you will do anything to make her proud. So do it."
Looking ahead, Abbey is excited by what's still to come, with major projects already underway and ambitions to continue growing within the business, she can see her future at Robinsons for many years to come.
"I have no intentions of going anywhere. I can really see a long career at Robinsons and seeing where it takes me”.
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone, Abbey. Thank you for everything you've contributed over the past 10 years. We look forward to seeing where the next chapter of your Robinsons journey takes you.
