Lisa Loebenberg is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 25 years of industry experience. Starting her career as a waitress, she worked her way through the ranks of operations, eventually stepping into director-level roles before becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Today, Lisa is the proud owner of seven, soon to be eight, thriving bars and restaurants across South West London. Her portfolio includes renowned venues such as Exhibit Balham, SW16 Bar & Kitchen, Mamma Dough, and Furzedown Lodge. Known for her keen eye for detail, operational expertise, and deep understanding of customer experience, Lisa has built a reputation for curating vibrant, community-driven spaces that offer exceptional food, drink, and hospitality.
Her hands-on leadership style, passion for the industry, and commitment to excellence have made her a key figure in London’s hospitality scene, continuously expanding and innovating to create standout dining and social experiences.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
I started in hospitality when I was 15, leaving school with a dream of running my own restaurants one day. Now, at 40, I’ve spent the last 25 years working my way up, learning every aspect of the industry before buying into a business 10 years ago.
Today, my business partner, Emma, and I operate a collection of bars and restaurants in South West London. We run Mamma Dough, a sourdough pizza restaurant group with five locations, The Exhibit in Balham—a legendary venue known for a damn good time, and SW16 Bar & Kitchen, our neighborhood restaurant focused on seasonal food. We’re also gearing up to open Furzedown Lodge, a passion project set in a Grade II listed building.
What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always wanted to be my own boss, to truly understand what it takes to run a business. The terrifying challenge of it all excited me, and I knew I had to go for it.
How did you create awareness for your brand?
I think this comes in many forms. I have an amazing team that work alongside me that focus on our Marketing. Having a strong presence on social media, great website SEO as well as outreach all play a part. However, I honestly believe the best tool is always word of mouth. If guests have an amazing time and love the service, they will tell others and come back. All of our venues are located in the heart of south London communities, so ensuring we are engaging with and being an asset to those who live in the area, is the best awareness campaign we could ever launch.
What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
We are completely self-funded. It started with personal investment, and we’ve consistently reinvested our profits to improve and expand whenever the right opportunities arise.
What have been your biggest successes so far?
Taking Mamma Dough from a struggling, loss-making business, buying it out of administration, and turning it into the thriving, growing brand it is today. But more than that, it’s seeing our team grow – watching people who started as hosts, waiters, and sous chefs rise to become our Head of Marketing, senior managers, and executive chef. The success of our people drives the success of the business.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
COVID was an incredibly tough time – not knowing if we would survive or how to support our teams with no income. And just months before that, I lost my previous business partner suddenly and tragically. Navigating personal grief alongside immense business pressures nearly broke me. But those experiences made me a better operator, and I wouldn’t change them. They shaped who I am today.
What are your plans for the future?
To enjoy the business more, work a little less, and continue empowering our teams to grow in their roles. Expansion will happen, but only when the time is right.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Know your worth. Trust your gut. Do your research and be as overprepared as possible. And expect failures along the way, they are part of the process.
What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
- Be prepared to work hard, but also take breaks—burnout makes you worse at your job.
- Surround yourself with people who challenge you, not just those who say yes.
- Be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.
Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
- Tia Toomey – CrossFit legend, for her discipline and drive.
- Will Guidara – Hospitality legend, for his philosophy on leadership and service.
- Laura Sullivan – my good friend who had two Mexican restaurants but sadly lost them during covid, now retraining as a lawyer. Hospitality breeds strong women.
- Adejoké Bakare – first black women to get a Michelin star in the UK. Incredible west African food.
Contact: Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-loebenberg-a250604b/?originalSubdomain=uk
