Melissa Winter has won a top award with RedCat Independent Pubs just over a year after joining The Nags Head at Great Missenden.
She has been named Deputy Manager of the Year by the chain which runs 39 pubs across the country.
Melissa, who is 30, started working at The Nags Head in May last year after trying a range of other jobs.
During the previous 11 years she had been a shop manager, prison officer, maths and English teacher and worked in banking.
She said: “I was bumbling around trying to find what fitted me best. Then I tried hospitality working as a bar manager at a festival and loved it and when I came to work at The Nags Head, I absolutely found my niche.
“What I love about it is every day is different. There is always something new to learn and to pick up.”
Melissa has received a string of compliments and praise from people who have posted online reviews after visiting the pub which dates back to the 15th century.
She said: “I always go out of my way to ensure people have a good day and if they are happy, it makes my job more fulfilling.”
Her role as deputy manager involves turning her hand to anything from running the restaurant and hosting event meetings to coordinating and managing wedding celebrations.
She said: “You need to be able to adapt, trust your own instincts but once you know how a place runs it becomes an extension of you.”
The Deputy Manager of the Year award went to Melissa for being ready in all situations and prepared to take the lead when her general manager was not there.
Richard Lewis, CEO of RedCat Independent Pubs, said Melissa used her position to contribute to the success of the business.
Melissa, who hopes one day to become a general manager, said: “It was a real surprise to win but lovely. I had never before considered myself as being the best at something. I just come to work each day and do my best.”
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Issued on behalf of RedCat by Rob Stokes for Nigel Heath of Media-Consult 07715 770 253