My mum bought the pub in 1989. She had very strong principles - she believed that anybody, regardless of their race, gender, or sexuality, should be able to go into any environment and feel comfortable.

As the chef and owner, she created a space where people could come and enjoy food and good drink. She’d always have quiet background music, board games, newspapers, and people were required to behave themselves. She got rid of bar stools so it was easier for women to queue for a drink and she had a one strike policy on any form of harassment. 

The things she did to create a safe environment for women might seem normal now, but they were very unusual 30 years ago. She was the catalyst to change on Broadway Market. 

She always encouraged women, and we’ve continued this legacy. We’ve currently got a female-led team and our chefs are women. 

Women shouldn't be afraid to go into this industry. It is quite male dominated, but I think the skills that a woman can bring to it are quite extraordinary.

It’s been part of our tenet the entire time that we're non racist, non homophobic, non sexist. Our approach to running the place is always to intervene earlier rather than later. So if any one group is getting loud or disturbing the rest of the patrons, particularly if they're doing it in an aggressive way or if we can overhear sexist language, we will immediately step in. 

I know what that can feel like when I'm out and about, so we'll always go over, try and make sure the pub stays at a sort of quiet level where if you walk in you're not going to feel intimidated. 

We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome when they come through the door.

I’ve always loved pubs and I love hosting people and creating a nice warm, friendly environment. Often I’d go into pubs and feel that it wasn’t quite right. So it seemed like a no-brainer to me to get my own place to make it the pub I wanted it to be!

We took over the pub in December 2011. When we first got the keys there were TV screens everywhere, with the horse racing on, and betting slips everywhere. We took down some of the TV screens, started playing nice music and put candles out – much to the dismay of some of the regulars we inherited!

But we always have a lovely crowd in. It’s nice knowing you’ve helped cultivate this nice atmosphere. You can walk in and feel the warmth and excitement. 

I wanted to have a venue that, as a woman, I’d feel welcomed and safe in. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel excluded. The types of nights we host – like drag bingo and quizzes – bring in different people. 

Our main asset is our staff. We’ve always tried to hire the friendliest staff who make you feel welcome and who keep an eye on the room.

I’ve worked in bars and clubs all my life, really. I started when I was 18 and I enjoyed every minute. 

A few years ago, I opened the Deaf Lounge which was the world’s very first bar for people who are deaf. 

It all started when I was the landlady in a pub and a gentleman called Paul, who is deaf, started visiting. He used to come in on his own and he couldn’t communicate with me or my team. 

There was a betting office next door, so I went and got the little pens and papers and distributed them around the bar so he could communicate by writing. Then he started bringing his friends, and gradually more and more people who are deaf started coming in. 

Paul and I worked together to set up a specialist bar for people with hearing impairments. We had raves and loads of celebrations, like birthday parties. 

At Domanis, I’m trying to bring that same inclusive welcoming atmosphere.We’ll be launching our deaf inclusive events here in the summer. 

As a landlady, you’ve got to monitor everything. I'm that kind of person. Always aware of my surroundings. You’ve also got to understand that everyone has a reason to come out and the difference that getting to know people can make.

I’ve worked in bars and clubs all my life, really. I started when I was 18 and I enjoyed every minute.

A few years ago, I opened the Deaf Lounge which was the world’s very first bar for people who are deaf.

It all started when I was the landlady in a pub and a gentleman called Paul, who is deaf, started visiting. He used to come in on his own and he couldn’t communicate with me or my team.

There was a betting office next door, so I went and got the little pens and papers and distributed them around the bar so he could communicate by writing. Then he started bringing his friends, and gradually more and more people who are deaf started coming in.

Paul and I worked together to set up a specialist bar for people with hearing impairments. We had raves and loads of celebrations, like birthday parties.

At Domanis, I’m trying to bring that same inclusive welcoming atmosphere.We’ll be launching our deaf inclusive events here in the summer.

As a landlady, you’ve got to monitor everything. I'm that kind of person. Always aware of my surroundings. You’ve also got to understand that everyone has a reason to come out and the difference that getting to know people can make.