Kingston Bonnie Rogues Women in Hospitality IWD Event 2026

Key Points

• Bonnie Rogues, a popular pub and bar in Kingston upon Thames, is hosting a special “Women in Hospitality” event to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026.
• The event targets local female managers and professionals in the hospitality sector, offering networking, empowerment talks, and celebratory drinks.
• It aims to honour the contributions of women in an industry often dominated by male leadership, fostering camaraderie and professional growth.
• The venue, located in the heart of Kingston town centre, promises a welcoming atmosphere with free entry for eligible attendees.
• Organisers emphasise inclusivity, skill-sharing sessions, and recognition of trailblazing women in pubs, bars, and restaurants across South West London.
• Scheduled for the evening of March 8, the event coincides with global celebrations of gender equality and women’s achievements.
• Bonnie Rogues’ management highlights the initiative as part of broader efforts to promote diversity and support female career advancement in hospitality.

Kingston upon Thames (South London News) March 4, 2026 – Bonnie Rogues, a vibrant pub and bar in Kingston town centre, has announced a dedicated Women in Hospitality event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, recognising local female managers in the sector. The gathering seeks to empower women working in pubs, bars, and restaurants by providing a platform for networking and inspiration. This initiative underscores growing efforts within Kingston’s hospitality community to address gender imbalances and champion female leadership.

What Is the Women in Hospitality Event at Bonnie Rogues?

The event, exclusively detailed by Kingston Nub News, centres on honouring women who manage and lead in hospitality. As reported by the outlet’s local correspondent, it features talks from industry veterans, interactive sessions, and complimentary drinks for participants. Organisers at Bonnie Rogues describe it as “a night to celebrate the unsung heroines of our pubs and bars”.​

Bonnie Rogues, known for its lively atmosphere and craft beers, positions itself as a hub for community events. The pub’s management stated that the event responds to calls for greater female representation, drawing from surveys showing women hold only about 20% of senior roles in UK hospitality. Attendees must register in advance via the pub’s website to ensure spots for up to 100 guests.

Why Is Bonnie Rogues Hosting This Event?

Bonnie Rogues’ decision stems from a commitment to diversity, as articulated by venue owner Jamie Thompson. In coverage by Kingston Nub News, Thompson remarked,

“We’ve seen incredible women steering our industry through tough times like post-pandemic recovery, and it’s time to spotlight them.”

This aligns with International Women’s Day themes of #EmbraceEquity, promoting balanced opportunities.​

The pub has a track record of community engagement, including past charity nights and live music. Hosting this event fits Kingston’s progressive ethos, where local businesses increasingly support social causes. Thompson added,

“Hospitality is demanding, and women managers often juggle more—let’s give them the recognition they deserve.”

Who Can Attend the Women in Hospitality Event?

Eligibility focuses on local women in hospitality management roles, from assistant managers to general managers at pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels in Kingston and surrounding South West London boroughs. Kingston Nub News reports that while primarily for females, male allies are welcome to support.​

No prior nomination is needed; interested parties email events@bonnierogues.co.uk with their role and venue. The pub aims for a mix of established leaders and rising stars, ensuring broad representation. Free entry includes a welcome drink, with additional beverages at member prices.

When and Where Will the Event Take Place?

Set for Sunday, March 8, 2026—International Women’s Day—the event runs from 6pm to 10pm at Bonnie Rogues, 45-47 Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1SA. This central location offers easy access via Kingston station, just a five-minute walk away.​

The timing leverages the day’s global focus, allowing attendees to join daytime IWD activities before evening festivities. Bonnie Rogues’ spacious interior, with its rustic decor and outdoor seating, provides an ideal setting for mingling.

How Does This Event Promote Gender Equality in Hospitality?

By creating a dedicated space, the event facilitates mentorship pairings and discussions on challenges like work-life balance and career progression. As per Kingston Nub News, speakers include Sarah Jenkins, a Kingston hotel director, who will share her journey from barmaid to executive.​

Jenkins stated,

“Events like this break glass ceilings—women need networks to thrive.”

The initiative draws inspiration from national campaigns by UKHospitality, which advocate for 50% female leadership by 2030. Bonnie Rogues plans follow-up workshops on leadership skills.

What Activities Are Planned for the Evening?

The schedule kicks off with a 6:30pm keynote on women’s impact in hospitality, followed by panel discussions at 7pm. Networking from 8pm includes speed-mentoring slots, where seasoned managers advise juniors.​

A highlight is the “She-Pours” cocktail masterclass, teaching unique drinks created by female mixologists. The night ends with live acoustic sets from local female artists, tying into Kingston’s cultural scene. All activities emphasise empowerment and fun.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

Jamie Thompson, Bonnie Rogues’ owner, leads the organisation alongside events manager Lisa Patel. Patel, quoted in Kingston Nub News, said,

“We’re thrilled to host—Kingston’s women in hospitality are powerhouses.”

Confirmed speakers include Sarah Jenkins of Richmond Gate Hotel and Emma Clarke, bar manager at The Grey Horse in Kingston.​

Clarke noted,

“It’s rare to gather peers like this; we’ll swap stories and strategies.”

Additional guests may include representatives from Richmond and Wimbledon hospitality associations.

What Is the Broader Context of International Women’s Day in Kingston?

Kingston upon Thames buzzes with IWD events, from council-led marches to art exhibitions. Bonnie Rogues’ event complements borough initiatives, like the Royal Borough of Kingston’s gender pay audits. Local data shows hospitality employing 15% of Kingston’s workforce, with women comprising 55% but underrepresented in management.​

This pub event stands out for its sector-specific focus, potentially inspiring similar gatherings in Twickenham or Surbiton.

Why Does Hospitality Need More Women in Leadership?

UK hospitality faces a gender gap, with women earning 18% less in senior roles despite higher frontline participation. Reports from the British Institute of Innkeeping highlight barriers like caring responsibilities and bias. Bonnie Rogues’ event addresses this head-on, promoting policies like flexible shifts.​

Thompson affirmed,

“Diverse teams serve better—our event proves it.”

Nationally, chains like Fuller’s and Wetherspoons run analogous programmes, but independent venues like Bonnie Rogues lead locally.

How Can Local Women Register and Prepare?

Registration is straightforward: email events@bonnierogues.co.uk by March 6, including name, role, venue, and contact. Expect confirmation within 24 hours. Dress code is smart casual, with name badges provided.​

Patel advises bringing business cards for networking. Follow-up includes a private WhatsApp group for ongoing connections.

What Makes Bonnie Rogues a Fitting Venue?

Housed in a Grade II-listed building, Bonnie Rogues blends historic charm with modern vibes, offering 10 ales on tap and seasonal menus. It’s pet-friendly and accessible, with step-free entry. Past reviews praise its community spirit, earning a 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.​

The pub’s Sunday roasts and trivia nights build loyalty, making it perfect for professional-social blends.

How Does This Tie into South London’s Hospitality Scene?

Kingston anchors South West London’s hospitality cluster, alongside Richmond’s Michelin spots and Wimbledon’s gastropubs. Events like this ripple outward, encouraging borough-wide change. Nearby, The Canbury Arms in Kingston hosts IWD brunches, showing regional momentum.​

Industry body SW London Hospitality notes a 10% rise in female managers since 2023, crediting such initiatives.

What Impact Might the Event Have Long-Term?

Organisers hope it sparks annual traditions and collaborations. Thompson envisions a

“Women in Hospitality Kingston Network”

for advocacy. With hospitality turnover high (30% yearly), retaining female talent could transform the sector.​

Jenkins predicted,

“This could mentor the next generation of GMs.”

Metrics like attendee feedback will gauge success.