Duncan Johnston

Hospitality operations leader with over 15 years of experience across premium pubs, restaurants, multi-site support roles, openings, turnarounds, and team development. Strong background in raising standards, improving commercial performance, training managers, driving compliance, and leading operational consistency across different business types. Experienced in full P&L ownership, labour control, food and drink performance, recruitment, service delivery, and business administration.

General Manager at The Carpenters Arms (2026-07 – Present)

Appointed to reset standards across the business and improve reputation within a tight local market.

• Lead a 17-person team across service, compliance, business administration, and guest satisfaction.
• Managed weekly sales of £20,000–£35,000 with revenue split approximately 45% food and 55% drinks.
• Delivered 10–30% year-on-year sales growth.
• Secured a 5-star council food standards inspection rating.
• Role ending due to sale of the business and closure for 12–18 months for refurbishment.

General Manager at The Plough Inn, Rare Breed Dining (2021-05 – 2026-05)

Led the flagship site within a 3-venue premium pub group with weekly turnover of £55,000.

• Held full P&L responsibility, maintaining wet GP of 65–70% and food GP of 68–70%.
• Acted as key trainer and onboarding lead for new General Managers across the group.
• Maintained labour costs at 26–30% while delivering strong operational standards.

Relief Manager at Laine Pub Company (2019-12 – 2020-04)

Supported multiple sites as Interim GM during management transitions.

• Trained incoming managers and maintained service continuity and operational consistency.

General Manager at The Clerk & Well (2018-07 – 2019-11)

Managed a gastro pub with 8 boutique rooms.

• Reduced staffing costs by £500 per week through team restructure.
• Oversaw recruitment, compliance, financial control, and local trading initiatives.

General Manager at Chick 'N' Sours (2016-11 – 2017-05)

Standardised operations across the group and implemented operational policies.

• Led hiring, service audits, and day-to-day standards management.

General Manager at The Duke (2015-01 – 2016-11)

Repositioned the pub offer and drove sales above £30,000 during major Twickenham event periods.

• Led refurbishment activity and improved overall food and drink proposition.

Event Operations Manager at Mahiki F1

Consultant GM at Hertford House Hotel

General Manager at Food & Fuel / Coco Momo

Project Manager at Disco Bistro N1C

Assistant General Manager at Rushmore Group

AGM at Novus Leisure

General Manager at Med Kitchen Restaurants

General Manager at Henry's Café Bar

Specialist at Apple Retail

Media Sales Executive at Worth Communications